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Official Description

Prophylactic treatment (nailing, pinning, plating or wiring) with or without methylmethacrylate, tibia

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Prophylactic treatment refers to a surgical intervention aimed at preventing fractures in the tibia, particularly when the bone has been compromised due to a disease process or the presence of a neoplasm. This procedure is essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the bone, which may be weakened and at risk of breaking. Various techniques are employed in this treatment, including nailing, pinning, plating, or wiring, and these methods can be performed with or without the use of methylmethacrylate, a type of bone cement that helps to stabilize the bone. The decision on which method to use is based on a thorough radiographic evaluation of the weakened bone, allowing the healthcare provider to determine the most effective form of prophylaxis. The procedure may involve the insertion of an intramedullary nail or rod, which can be done using either an antegrade or retrograde approach, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. A small incision is made over the proximal or distal tibia to facilitate the insertion of the nail or rod into the intramedullary space. Once in place, the nail is secured with locking screws that are positioned both distally and proximally to ensure stability. In cases where pins are utilized, they may be inserted transcutaneously through the weakened area of the bone. Plating, on the other hand, necessitates an open exposure of the bone, allowing for the placement of a plate that is then secured with screws. Additionally, wiring involves the application of a wire cerclage that wraps around the bone to provide support. When methylmethacrylate is indicated, it is injected into any bony defects to further enhance the stability and strength of the affected area.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The prophylactic treatment of the tibia is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where the bone is at an increased risk of fracture. These indications include:

  • Weakened Bone Due to Disease Process The procedure is performed when the tibia is compromised due to conditions such as osteoporosis, osteogenesis imperfecta, or other metabolic bone diseases that weaken bone structure.
  • Presence of Neoplasm Prophylactic treatment is indicated when a neoplasm, either benign or malignant, affects the integrity of the tibia, increasing the likelihood of fracture.

2. Procedure

The procedure for prophylactic treatment of the tibia involves several critical steps to ensure effective stabilization of the weakened bone. These steps include:

  • Evaluation of the Weakened Bone A thorough radiographic assessment is conducted to evaluate the condition of the tibia. This imaging helps determine the extent of the weakness and guides the selection of the most appropriate prophylactic method.
  • Incision and Access A small incision is made over either the proximal or distal tibia, providing access to the intramedullary space where the stabilization device will be placed.
  • Insertion of Intramedullary Nail or Rod An intramedullary nail or rod is inserted into the intramedullary canal of the tibia. This can be performed using an antegrade approach, where the nail is inserted from the proximal end, or a retrograde approach, where it is inserted from the distal end.
  • Securing the Nail Once the nail is in place, it is secured with locking screws that are inserted distally and proximally to ensure stability and prevent movement of the nail within the bone.
  • Placement of Pins (if applicable) If pins are chosen as the method of stabilization, they are placed transcutaneously through the weakened region of the bone to provide additional support.
  • Plating (if applicable) In cases where plating is indicated, an open exposure of the bone is performed, and a plate is placed along the surface of the tibia. This plate is then secured with screws to hold the bone fragments together.
  • Wiring (if applicable) If wiring is utilized, a wire cerclage is wrapped around the bone to provide circumferential support, enhancing the stability of the tibia.
  • Injection of Methylmethacrylate (if applicable) If indicated, methylmethacrylate is injected into any bony defects to fill voids and further stabilize the bone structure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the prophylactic treatment procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper alignment of the tibia. Patients may be advised on weight-bearing restrictions and rehabilitation protocols to promote healing and restore function. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the stability of the fixation and the healing process of the bone. The expected recovery time may vary based on the individual’s overall health, the extent of the procedure, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

Short Descr REINFORCE TIBIA
Medium Descr PROPH TX N/P/PLTWR W/WO METHYLMETHACRYLATE TIBIA
Long Descr Prophylactic treatment (nailing, pinning, plating or wiring) with or without methylmethacrylate, tibia
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) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
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).
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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).
99 Multiple modifiers: under certain circumstances 2 or more modifiers may be necessary to completely delineate a service. in such situations modifier 99 should be added to the basic procedure, and other applicable modifiers may be listed as part of the description of the service.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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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