© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Radial styloidectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at alleviating pain that arises from the impingement between the scaphoid bone and the radial styloid process. This condition often results in discomfort and limited mobility in the wrist, necessitating intervention. The procedure involves making a precise incision on the radial side of the wrist, specifically located between the first and second extensor tendon compartments. During the surgery, careful attention is given to identify and protect the sensory branches of the radial nerve and the radial artery to prevent any potential nerve damage or vascular complications. The surgical approach includes subperiosteal dissection, which is performed down to the bone for a length of approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters. This dissection allows for the elevation of the periosteum off the bone, along with the retinaculum, thereby exposing the radioscaphoid joint. Once the joint capsule is incised, an intra-articular elevator is utilized to lift the scaphoid bone away from the radial styloid process. The excision of the radial styloid is then carried out using an osteotome or a bone saw, ensuring that sufficient bone is removed to relieve the impingement. Following the removal of the radial styloid, the periosteum is reapproximated, the retinaculum is repaired, and the overlying soft tissues are meticulously closed in layers to promote optimal healing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The radial styloidectomy procedure is indicated for patients experiencing pain and functional limitations due to impingement between the scaphoid bone and the radial styloid process. This condition may manifest as discomfort during wrist movements, particularly those involving gripping or twisting actions. The procedure is typically considered when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, have failed to provide adequate relief.
The radial styloidectomy involves several critical procedural steps to ensure effective treatment of the impingement. Initially, a surgical incision is made over the radial aspect of the wrist, specifically between the first and second extensor tendon compartments. This incision is strategically placed to minimize damage to surrounding structures while providing adequate access to the surgical site.
Post-procedure care following a radial styloidectomy typically involves monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Patients are often advised to rest the wrist and may be provided with a splint or brace to immobilize the area during the initial recovery phase. Pain management strategies, including prescribed analgesics, may be implemented to ensure patient comfort. Rehabilitation exercises may be introduced gradually to restore mobility and strength in the wrist, with the guidance of a physical therapist. The expected recovery time can vary, but patients are generally encouraged to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess healing and functional outcomes.
| Short Descr | PARTIAL REMOVAL OF RADIUS | Medium Descr | RADICAL STYLOIDECTOMY SEPARATE PROCEDURE | Long Descr | Radial styloidectomy (separate procedure) | 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) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 | 142 - Partial excision bone |
| 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). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F5 | Right 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 |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.