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Official Description

Laryngoplasty; with open reduction and fixation of (eg, plating) fracture, includes tracheostomy, if performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laryngoplasty with open reduction and fixation of fracture is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing fractures of the larynx, which typically occur due to direct trauma to the neck region. This procedure involves a series of meticulous steps to ensure proper alignment and stabilization of the laryngeal structures. The surgery begins with a horizontal skin incision made over the larynx, specifically at the level of the cricothyroid membrane, which is a critical landmark in the neck. To facilitate adequate exposure of the larynx, a subplatysmal apron flap is created and elevated to the level of the thyroid notch. This allows the surgeon to access the larynx effectively. During the procedure, the strap muscles, which are located in the midline of the neck, are divided and retracted laterally to provide a clear view of the larynx. Depending on the specific location and severity of the fracture, the thyroid cartilage may need to be opened using an oscillating saw to gain access to the laryngeal cavity. Once opened, the larynx is examined internally to assess the extent of the injury, including any damage to the vocal cords or mucosal surfaces. If lacerations are found, they are repaired with sutures to restore integrity to the laryngeal structure. In cases of laryngeal cartilage fractures, the damaged cartilage is carefully debrided and repositioned to its normal anatomical position. To ensure stability at the fracture site, various methods of immobilization are employed, including wire sutures, metal alloy miniplates, or absorbable miniplates. Finally, the neck incision is meticulously closed in layers to promote optimal healing. It is important to note that if a tracheostomy is performed during the procedure, it is included as part of the overall surgical intervention.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of laryngoplasty with open reduction and fixation of fracture is indicated for patients who have sustained a fracture of the larynx due to direct trauma to the neck. This trauma may result from various incidents, including but not limited to motor vehicle accidents, falls, or blunt force injuries. The primary indications for this surgical intervention include:

  • Fracture of the Larynx - Direct trauma leading to a fracture of the laryngeal structures necessitating surgical repair.
  • Vocal Cord Injury - Damage to the vocal cords that requires surgical intervention to restore function and integrity.
  • Mucosal Lacerations - Lacerations of the laryngeal mucosa that need to be repaired to prevent complications such as scarring or airway obstruction.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful repair and stabilization of the laryngeal fracture. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision - A horizontal skin incision is made over the larynx at the level of the cricothyroid membrane. This incision provides access to the underlying structures of the larynx.
  • Step 2: Flap Creation - A subplatysmal apron flap is created and elevated to the level of the thyroid notch. This step is essential for achieving adequate exposure of the larynx for the subsequent surgical maneuvers.
  • Step 3: Muscle Division - The strap muscles located in the midline of the neck are divided and retracted laterally. This retraction allows for a clear view of the larynx and facilitates the repair process.
  • Step 4: Laryngeal Exposure - The larynx is exposed, and depending on the fracture's location, the thyroid cartilage may be opened using an oscillating saw to gain access to the laryngeal cavity.
  • Step 5: Internal Examination - Once the larynx is opened, the internal structures are examined to assess the extent of the injury, including any vocal cord or mucosal lacerations.
  • Step 6: Repair of Injuries - Any identified vocal cord or mucosal lacerations are repaired with sutures to restore the integrity of the laryngeal structures.
  • Step 7: Fracture Management - Laryngeal cartilage fractures are debrided, and the fragments are returned to their normal anatomical position. This step is crucial for restoring the function and appearance of the larynx.
  • Step 8: Immobilization - The fracture site is immobilized using wire sutures, metal alloy miniplates, or absorbable miniplates to ensure stability during the healing process.
  • Step 9: Closure - The neck incision is closed in layers to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications that may arise following the surgery. Patients may require close observation for airway patency, especially if a tracheostomy was performed. Pain management is also an essential aspect of post-operative care, and patients may be prescribed analgesics to manage discomfort. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the healing process and ensure that the laryngeal structures are recovering appropriately. Patients may also be advised on voice rest and rehabilitation to facilitate recovery of vocal function. Any signs of infection or complications should be promptly addressed to ensure a successful recovery.

Short Descr LARYNGOPLASTY FX RDCTJ FIXJ
Medium Descr LARYNGOPLASTY W/OPEN REDUCTION FRACTURE W/TRACHS
Long Descr Laryngoplasty; with open reduction and fixation of (eg, plating) fracture, includes tracheostomy, if performed
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 42 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on respiratory system
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Long, Medium and Short descriptions changed. Note: code was also revised to remove duplicate term "of" per CPT errata dated 2016-10-17 and the one dated 2017-08-02.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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