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The procedure described by CPT® Code 25272 involves the repair of extensor tendons or muscles located in the forearm and/or wrist. Extensor tendons and muscles are situated on the dorsal side of the forearm and wrist, originating from specific anatomical landmarks such as the lateral epicondyle and lateral supracondylar ridge of the humerus, as well as the proximal dorsal surface of the ulna. Key extensor muscles include the extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi ulnaris, extensor digitorum, and extensor indicis, which are essential for the extension movements of the wrist, hand, and fingers. This procedure is indicated in cases of both open injuries, such as lacerations or punctures, and closed injuries, including ruptures or avulsions of the tendons or muscles. The surgical approach typically involves making an incision over the affected area to access the damaged tendon or muscle. If the tendon is completely severed, the surgeon locates the ends of the tendon, which may require manipulation to align properly before suturing. In cases of partial transection, the focus is on repairing the damaged fibers. Additionally, if the muscle itself is lacerated, the repair is performed in layers to restore its integrity. It is important to note that if the initial primary repair does not yield satisfactory functional results, a secondary repair, as indicated by CPT® Code 25272, may be necessary. This code specifically refers to the secondary suture repair of a single extensor tendon or muscle, distinguishing it from primary repairs and other types of tendon repairs that may involve grafting techniques.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 25272 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 25272 involves several critical steps to ensure effective repair of the extensor tendon or muscle. First, an incision is made over the site of the affected tendon or muscle to provide access. If the tendon has been completely transected, the surgeon locates the severed ends of the tendon, which may require careful manipulation to align them properly. The ends are then grasped and pulled either distally or proximally to facilitate the repair. Once aligned, the surgeon performs a suture repair to reattach the tendon. In cases where the tendon is only partially transected, the focus shifts to repairing the transected fibers to restore continuity. If the muscle itself has sustained a laceration or tear, the repair process involves suturing the muscle tissue in layers to ensure proper healing and function. After the repair is completed, the surgical wound is closed in layers to promote optimal healing. Following closure, the wrist and hand are immobilized using a splint or cast to protect the repair site and allow for recovery. Throughout the procedure, the surgeon may test the range of motion and adjust tension as needed to ensure that the repaired tendon or muscle allows for good functional movement in the wrist, hand, and fingers.
Post-procedure care following the repair of an extensor tendon or muscle involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring that the immobilization device, such as a splint or cast, remains intact. Patients are typically advised on the importance of keeping the affected area elevated to reduce swelling. Rehabilitation may be necessary to restore strength and range of motion, and this often includes physical therapy once the initial healing phase has passed. The healthcare provider will schedule follow-up appointments to assess the healing process and determine when it is appropriate to begin rehabilitation exercises. It is crucial for patients to adhere to the post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon to optimize recovery and functional outcomes.
| Short Descr | REPAIR FOREARM TENDON/MUSCLE | Medium Descr | RPR TDN/MUSC XTNSR F/ARM&/WRIST SEC 1 EA TDN/MU | Long Descr | Repair, tendon or muscle, extensor, forearm and/or wrist; secondary, single, each tendon or muscle | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | 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 | 4 | CCS Clinical Classification | 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons |
| 22 | Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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). | 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. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 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 | F1 | Left hand, second digit | F2 | Left hand, third digit | F3 | Left hand, fourth digit | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | F6 | Right hand, second digit | F7 | Right hand, third digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | F9 | Right hand, fifth 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) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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