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Official Description

Open treatment of periarticular fracture and/or dislocation of the elbow (fracture distal humerus and proximal ulna and/or proximal radius); with implant arthroplasty

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 24587 refers to the open treatment of a periarticular fracture and/or dislocation of the elbow, specifically involving the distal humerus and proximal ulna and/or proximal radius, with the addition of implant arthroplasty. A periarticular fracture is a type of fracture that occurs near a joint, which can significantly impact joint function and stability. In this procedure, the surgeon performs an open reduction, which involves making an incision to directly access the fractured area, allowing for precise alignment and stabilization of the bone fragments. The use of a prosthetic implant indicates that the damaged joint structures are replaced to restore function and alleviate pain. This procedure is particularly relevant for patients with severe fractures or dislocations that cannot be adequately treated with non-surgical methods. The surgical approach includes careful dissection to protect important nerves, such as the ulnar and radial nerves, and involves meticulous steps to ensure proper placement of the implant and restoration of joint mechanics. Overall, this procedure aims to achieve optimal healing and functional recovery for patients suffering from complex elbow injuries.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of periarticular fractures and/or dislocations of the elbow, as described by CPT® Code 24587, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Displaced Periarticular Fracture A fracture occurring near the elbow joint that is misaligned and requires surgical intervention to restore proper anatomy.
  • Elbow Dislocation A condition where the bones of the elbow joint are out of their normal position, necessitating surgical correction to restore function.
  • Severe Fractures Fractures of the distal humerus, proximal ulna, and/or proximal radius that cannot be adequately managed through conservative treatment methods.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 24587 involves several detailed steps to ensure effective treatment of the elbow injury:

  • Incision and Nerve Exposure An incision is made over the posterior aspect of the elbow to access the underlying structures. The ulnar nerve is carefully exposed and dissected free from surrounding tissues, ensuring it is protected throughout the procedure.
  • Triceps Tendon Splitting The triceps tendon is split in the midline, extending from the distal aspect of the humerus to the olecranon process, allowing for better access to the fracture site.
  • Radial Nerve Protection The radial nerve is also exposed and protected to prevent any nerve damage during the surgical procedure.
  • Fracture Site Preparation Fracture fragments and debris are cleared from the fracture site to prepare for the reconstruction and stabilization of the joint.
  • Joint Structure Replacement The lateral epicondyle of the humerus is exposed, and the interval between the anconeus and flexor carpi ulnaris is incised. The triceps is mobilized, and the anconeus is elevated off the lateral aspect of the proximal ulna.
  • Elbow Joint Dissection The radial aspect of the elbow joint is addressed, with tissue dissected off the lateral epicondyle. The elbow is then externally rotated and flexed to facilitate access to the posterior joint capsule, which is removed.
  • Olecranon Exposure The roof of the olecranon is exposed, and the medial collateral ligament is released from the epicondyle to allow for proper alignment and placement of the implant.
  • Humeral Canal Preparation The tip of the olecranon is removed, and tissue is dissected off the humerus. The roof of the olecranon fossa is removed down to the level of cancellous bone, and the humeral canal is reamed to prepare for the implant.
  • Trial Implant Placement A cutting guide is placed, and the distal aspect of the humerus is removed. A trial implant is then placed to check for proper width and alignment before the final implant is secured.
  • Ulnar Canal Establishment The ulnar canal is established using a high-speed bur followed by a reamer, and a trial implant is placed and tested for fit.
  • Permanent Implant Placement The trial implants are removed, and the radial head is either debrided or resected. The permanent implants are then placed, with bone cement injected in a retrograde fashion to secure them in place.
  • Joint Stabilization The implants are locked together with a pin, creating a hinged prosthetic joint. Ligaments and tendons are reattached, and the triceps is medialized to restore function.
  • Ulnar Nerve Management A subcutaneous pocket is created for the ulnar nerve, which is placed between subcutaneous fat and fascia near the medial epicondyle to protect it during recovery.
  • Closure The fascia and skin are closed in layers, and the arm is fully extended and placed in a splint to support the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve immobilization of the elbow in a splint to promote healing. Pain management and rehabilitation exercises will be essential to restore range of motion and strength in the elbow joint. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure that the implant is functioning correctly. Patients should be advised on signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in sensation, and instructed to report these to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr TREAT ELBOW FRACTURE
Medium Descr OPTX PRIARTICULAR FX&/DISLC ELBW W/IMPLT ARTHR
Long Descr Open treatment of periarticular fracture and/or dislocation of the elbow (fracture distal humerus and proximal ulna and/or proximal radius); with implant arthroplasty
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 145 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of radius and ulna
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2004-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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