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The CPT® Code 25526 refers to the open treatment of a radial shaft fracture, which includes internal fixation when necessary, as well as the open treatment of a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation, commonly known as a Galeazzi fracture/dislocation. This procedure encompasses the repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex, which is crucial for the stability and function of the wrist joint. A Galeazzi fracture is characterized by a fracture of the radial shaft located at the junction of the middle and distal thirds of the radius, accompanied by a dislocation or subluxation of the DRUJ. The open reduction technique involves making an incision over the fracture site to access the bone fragments directly, allowing for precise alignment and stabilization. The procedure may require the use of internal fixation devices, such as compression plates and screws, to ensure proper healing and restoration of function. The management of the DRUJ dislocation is also integral to this procedure, as it may necessitate closed or open reduction techniques depending on the stability of the joint after the radial shaft fracture has been addressed. Overall, this code captures the comprehensive approach to treating both the fracture and the associated dislocation, ensuring optimal outcomes for the patient.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 25526 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 25526 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the radial shaft fracture and the associated DRUJ dislocation:
Following the procedure associated with CPT® Code 25526, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve pain management, physical therapy, and regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing. The application of a long arm splint is crucial for immobilization, allowing the fractured bone and joint to heal properly. Patients should be advised on activity restrictions and signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection at the surgical site. Rehabilitation may be necessary to restore full function and strength to the wrist and forearm after the splint is removed.
| Short Descr | OPTX RDL SHFT FX&DSTL RAD/UL | Medium Descr | OPTX RDL SHAFT FX&OPTX DSTL RAD/ULN JT DISLC | Long Descr | Open treatment of radial shaft fracture, includes internal fixation, when performed, and open treatment of distal radioulnar joint dislocation (Galeazzi fracture/ dislocation), includes internal fixation, when performed, includes repair of triangular fibrocartilage 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) | 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met. | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 145 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of radius and ulna |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 20702 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), intramedullary (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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. | 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 | 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) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2008-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 1993-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1993. |
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