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The procedure described by CPT® Code 25107 refers to an arthrotomy of the distal radioulnar joint, which includes the repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The TFCC is a critical structure in the wrist that provides stability and cushioning, particularly during wrist movements. Injuries to the TFCC often occur due to trauma, such as falling on an outstretched hand, leading to pain and dysfunction in the wrist. During this surgical procedure, the patient is positioned supine with the shoulder abducted to facilitate access to the wrist. A pneumatic tourniquet is applied to the upper arm to minimize blood loss during the operation. The surgical approach involves creating full-thickness skin flaps while carefully protecting surrounding nerves and blood vessels. The procedure entails a series of meticulous steps, including incising the extensor retinaculum, retracting the extensor pollicis longus, and dissecting down to the dorsal radioulnar ligament. The repair of the TFCC is achieved through the placement of horizontal mattress sutures, which secure the cartilage to the distal radius, ensuring proper healing and restoration of function. The joint is then flushed with normal saline before the incisions are closed in layers, completing the surgical intervention.
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The arthrotomy of the distal radioulnar joint with repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is indicated for various conditions that compromise the integrity and function of the wrist. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The procedure for arthrotomy of the distal radioulnar joint with repair of the TFCC involves several detailed steps, as follows:
After the arthrotomy and repair of the TFCC, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Pain management strategies are implemented to ensure patient comfort. Rehabilitation may be initiated to restore wrist function, which often includes physical therapy focusing on range of motion and strengthening exercises. The duration of recovery can vary based on the extent of the injury and the individual patient's healing process. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the healing of the joint and the effectiveness of the repair.
| Short Descr | REMOVE WRIST JOINT CARTILAGE | Medium Descr | ARTHROTOMY DSTL RADIOULNAR JOINT RPR CARTILAGE | Long Descr | Arthrotomy, distal radioulnar joint including repair of triangular cartilage, complex | 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 | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints |
| 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. | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 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.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AG | Primary physician | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | F7 | Right hand, third digit | FA | Left hand, thumb | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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