Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Osteotomy; radius AND ulna

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An osteotomy of the radius and ulna is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting deformities or realigning the bones in the forearm. This procedure may involve either the ulna alone or both the radius and ulna, depending on the specific deformity being addressed. The choice of the osteotomy type and its location is determined by the nature and site of the deformity. Various osteotomy techniques can be employed, including transverse, wedge, sliding, right or left angle, V-osteotomy, and Z-osteotomy. Prior to the surgical intervention, the physician utilizes radiographic studies to accurately identify the precise locations for the bone cuts, ensuring optimal alignment and correction. The surgical process begins with an incision made over the deformity site in the forearm, followed by dissection of the soft tissues to expose the ulna. The periosteum, a layer of connective tissue surrounding the bone, is then elevated to facilitate access. Using specialized instruments such as drills, saws, and osteotomes, the bone is cut according to the predetermined configuration. If necessary, bone grafts may be placed between the cut segments to promote healing and stability. To secure the bone fragments in their correct anatomical positions, various fixation methods may be employed, including pins, screws, or plates. In some cases, an external fixation device may also be utilized. This comprehensive approach ensures that both the radius and ulna are properly aligned and stabilized following the osteotomy.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The osteotomy of the radius and ulna is indicated for various conditions that necessitate the correction of bone deformities or misalignments. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Deformity Correction - This procedure is performed to correct congenital or acquired deformities of the radius and ulna.
  • Realignment of Bones - It is indicated for cases where the bones are misaligned due to trauma or pathological conditions.
  • Functional Improvement - The surgery aims to improve the functional capabilities of the forearm and wrist by restoring proper bone alignment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing an osteotomy of the radius and ulna involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the successful correction of the deformity:

  • Step 1: Preoperative Planning - Prior to the surgical procedure, the physician conducts radiographic studies to determine the exact locations for the osteotomy cuts. This planning is essential to achieve the desired alignment and correction of the deformity.
  • Step 2: Incision and Exposure - An incision is made in the forearm over the site of the deformity. The soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the ulna, allowing for direct access to the bone.
  • Step 3: Elevation of the Periosteum - The periosteum, which is the connective tissue surrounding the bone, is elevated to facilitate the osteotomy procedure.
  • Step 4: Bone Cutting - Using a drill, saw, and/or osteotome, the bone is cut in the predetermined configuration as planned during the preoperative phase. This step is crucial for achieving the correct alignment.
  • Step 5: Bone Grafting (if necessary) - If required, bone grafts are interposed between the cut bone segments to promote healing and stability following the osteotomy.
  • Step 6: Internal Fixation - Pins, screws, a plate and screw device, or other types of internal fixation are applied as needed to secure the cut edges of the bone in anatomical alignment.
  • Step 7: External Fixation (if applicable) - Alternatively, a separately reportable external fixation device may be applied to stabilize the bones during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the osteotomy procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and recovery. Post-procedure care may include pain management, immobilization of the forearm, and physical therapy to restore function. The expected recovery time can vary based on the individual patient's condition and the extent of the surgery. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Short Descr REVISE RADIUS & ULNA
Medium Descr OSTEOTOMY RADIUS & ULNA
Long Descr Osteotomy; radius AND ulna
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) 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) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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)
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"