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Official Description

Osteoplasty, radius AND ulna; shortening (excluding 64876)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 25392 involves osteoplasty of the radius and ulna, specifically focusing on shortening these bones. Osteoplasty refers to a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or reconstructing bone. In this case, the surgeon performs a plastic procedure on both the radius and ulna, which are the two long bones located in the forearm. The goal of this procedure is to modify the length of these bones to achieve a desired anatomical configuration. Prior to the surgical intervention, the physician utilizes radiographic studies to determine the precise locations for bone cuts, ensuring that the adjustments made during surgery will meet the intended outcomes. During the operation, the surgeon exposes the radius and ulna, identifies the sites for the necessary bone cuts, and excises a segment of each bone. Following this, the remaining ends of the bones are brought together, and internal fixation methods are employed to stabilize the newly configured bones. This may involve the use of screws, plates, or other fixation devices to maintain proper alignment and support healing. Alternatively, an external fixation device may be utilized to achieve the same stabilization effect. It is important to note that this code specifically excludes certain procedures, such as those described by CPT® Code 64876, which may involve different surgical techniques or indications.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded under CPT® 25392 is indicated for specific conditions that necessitate the shortening of the radius and ulna. These indications may include:

  • Malunion or Nonunion of Fractures - Situations where previous fractures of the radius or ulna have healed improperly, leading to functional impairment.
  • Congenital Deformities - Conditions present at birth that affect the length or shape of the radius and ulna, potentially impacting limb function.
  • Post-Traumatic Deformities - Deformities resulting from trauma that may require surgical intervention to restore normal anatomy and function.
  • Osteomyelitis - Infections in the bone that may necessitate shortening to remove infected bone segments and promote healing.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 25392 involves several critical steps to ensure successful shortening of the radius and ulna. The process begins with the physician conducting radiographic studies to identify the precise locations for the bone cuts. This preoperative imaging is essential for planning the surgical approach and ensuring optimal outcomes. Once the surgical site is prepared, the surgeon makes an incision to expose the radius and ulna. After exposure, the specific sites for the bone cuts are marked. The surgeon then proceeds to cut each bone at the predetermined locations, excising a segment of both the radius and ulna. This excision is crucial for achieving the desired shortening of the bones. Following the excision, the remaining distal and proximal ends of the bones are brought into contact with each other. To stabilize this new configuration, the surgeon applies internal fixation, which may include the use of screws, plates, or other fixation devices. These devices are essential for maintaining the anatomical alignment of the bones during the healing process. Alternatively, if deemed necessary, an external fixation device may be utilized to provide additional support and stabilization.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the osteoplasty procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring and follow-up care to ensure proper healing. Post-procedure care may include pain management, physical therapy, and regular follow-up appointments to assess the healing process. The expected recovery time can vary based on individual patient factors and the extent of the surgery performed. Patients may be advised to limit certain activities during the initial recovery phase to prevent complications and promote optimal healing. Additionally, the physician may provide specific instructions regarding wound care and signs of potential complications that should be reported immediately.

Short Descr SHORTEN RADIUS & ULNA
Medium Descr OSTEOPLASTY RADIUS & ULNA SHORTENING
Long Descr Osteoplasty, radius AND ulna; shortening (excluding 64876)
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) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on 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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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)
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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