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Official Description

Closed treatment of acetabulum (hip socket) fracture(s); with manipulation, with or without skeletal traction

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27222 refers to the closed treatment of fractures occurring in the acetabulum, which is the socket of the hip joint. This procedure involves manipulation of the fracture, which may be accompanied by the use of skeletal traction. The closed treatment signifies that the procedure is performed without making an incision to access the fracture site directly. The physician begins by obtaining necessary imaging studies, such as radiographs or a CT scan, to assess the extent of the injury to the hip region. This imaging is crucial for evaluating the fracture's characteristics and planning the appropriate treatment approach. During the examination, the physician palpates the anterior and posterior pelvic bones, as well as the greater trochanter, to assess the injury's impact on the surrounding structures. Additionally, the range of motion of the hip and lumbosacral spine is evaluated to determine any limitations or pain associated with the injury. A neurovascular examination is also performed to check for any signs of nerve impingement, ensuring that the patient does not have compromised blood flow or nerve function. In cases where the fracture is classified as nondisplaced or minimally displaced, as indicated by CPT® Code 27220, treatment may involve conservative measures such as bed rest and the use of assistive devices like crutches or a walker to facilitate ambulation without putting weight on the affected side. However, for more complex fractures requiring manipulation, as described in CPT® Code 27222, the physician will manually reduce the fracture fragments. To maintain the proper alignment of the fracture during the healing process, skeletal traction may be employed. This involves the insertion of a pin into the proximal aspect of the tibia, to which a traction device is attached, utilizing weights to ensure that the fracture remains properly reduced throughout the recovery period.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of acetabulum fractures with manipulation, as described by CPT® Code 27222, is indicated for specific conditions related to hip socket injuries. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Acetabulum Fracture The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of a fracture in the acetabulum, which may result from trauma or injury.
  • Displaced Fracture This procedure is indicated when the fracture fragments are displaced and require manipulation to restore proper alignment.
  • Inability to Ambulate Patients who are unable to bear weight on the affected side due to pain or instability may require this treatment to facilitate recovery.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the closed treatment of acetabulum fractures with manipulation involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment and recovery. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Imaging Studies The physician begins by obtaining radiographs and/or a CT scan to evaluate the extent of the acetabulum fracture. These imaging studies are essential for understanding the fracture's characteristics and planning the appropriate treatment approach.
  • Step 2: Physical Examination A thorough physical examination is conducted, which includes palpating the anterior and posterior pelvic bones and the greater trochanter. This examination helps assess the injury's impact on the surrounding structures and identify any associated complications.
  • Step 3: Range of Motion Assessment The physician checks the range of motion of the hip and lumbosacral spine to evaluate any limitations or pain that may be associated with the fracture. This assessment is crucial for determining the functional status of the patient.
  • Step 4: Neurovascular Examination A neurovascular examination is performed to ensure that there is no nerve impingement or compromised blood flow to the affected limb. This step is vital for preventing further complications during the treatment process.
  • Step 5: Fracture Manipulation If the fracture is determined to be displaced, the physician will proceed with manual manipulation to reduce the fracture fragments back into their proper alignment. This step is critical for ensuring optimal healing and function.
  • Step 6: Application of Skeletal Traction To maintain the reduction of the fracture, skeletal traction may be applied. This involves inserting a pin into the proximal aspect of the tibia, to which a traction device is attached. Weights are then used to ensure that the fracture remains properly aligned during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of the acetabulum fracture with manipulation, several post-procedure care considerations are essential for optimal recovery. Patients may be advised to rest and avoid weight-bearing activities on the affected side to promote healing. The use of assistive devices, such as crutches or a walker, may be prescribed to facilitate safe ambulation without putting stress on the fracture site. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process, assess the alignment of the fracture, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. The physician may also recommend physical therapy to help restore strength and range of motion as the healing progresses. It is important for patients to adhere to the post-procedure instructions and report any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain or swelling, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr TREAT HIP SOCKET FRACTURE
Medium Descr CLTX ACETABULM HIP/SOCKT FX MANJ W/WO SKEL TRACJ
Long Descr Closed treatment of acetabulum (hip socket) fracture(s); with manipulation, with or without skeletal traction
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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 146 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of hip and femur
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
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.)
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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