© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 25671 refers to the percutaneous skeletal fixation of a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation. A DRUJ dislocation occurs when the distal end of the ulna is displaced from its normal position in relation to the radius at the wrist. This type of dislocation is relatively uncommon and can occur in two primary forms: dorsal dislocation, which typically results from hyperpronation of the forearm, and volar dislocation, which is often caused by hypersupination. The treatment for this condition may involve various approaches, including closed treatment with manipulation (CPT® Code 25675) or open treatment (CPT® Code 25676). In the case of percutaneous skeletal fixation, the dislocated joint is first manually reduced, similar to the manipulation performed in closed treatment. Following reduction, stabilization is achieved by inserting a pin or K-wire through the skin and into the bone, which helps maintain the proper alignment of the joint during the healing process. This method is particularly beneficial for cases where non-invasive techniques may not provide sufficient stability. Prior to any treatment, separate radiographs are obtained to assess the extent of the injury and confirm the diagnosis. The overall goal of this procedure is to restore normal function and stability to the distal radioulnar joint while minimizing the need for more invasive surgical interventions.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 25671 is indicated for the treatment of a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation without concomitant fracture. This condition may present in various forms, and the specific indications for performing percutaneous skeletal fixation include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 25671 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the distal radioulnar joint dislocation:
Following the percutaneous skeletal fixation of the distal radioulnar joint, patients are typically required to wear a cast to immobilize the wrist. This immobilization is essential for ensuring that the joint remains stable during the healing process. The expected recovery time may vary depending on the severity of the dislocation and the individual patient's healing response. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing progress and to assess the need for any further interventions. Additionally, patients may be advised on rehabilitation exercises to restore range of motion and strength once the cast is removed, ensuring a return to normal function.
| Short Descr | PERQ SKEL FIX RAD/ULN DISLC | Medium Descr | PERQ SKELETAL FIXJ DISTAL RADIOULNAR DISLOCATION | Long Descr | Percutaneous skeletal fixation of distal radioulnar dislocation | 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) | 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 | 145 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of radius and ulna |
| 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. | 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.) | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2002. |
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