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CPT®
61552

CPT® Code 61552

Official Description

Craniectomy for craniosynostosis; multiple cranial sutures

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Craniosynostosis is a congenital condition characterized by the premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures in infants. This early closure can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may hinder normal brain development and result in distinct head shape abnormalities. The condition can manifest independently or as part of various syndromes, including Crouzon, Apert, Carpenter, Chotzen, or Pfeiffer syndrome, which are associated with additional physical anomalies. Craniosynostosis is categorized into two types: simple, where only a single cranial suture is affected, and complex, where multiple sutures are involved. The surgical intervention for this condition, specifically a craniectomy for craniosynostosis involving multiple cranial sutures, entails the excision of bone segments from the skull to alleviate pressure and allow for proper brain growth. The procedure involves making a skin incision over the affected suture, elevating a scalp flap, and exposing the skull to perform precise bone removals tailored to the specific type of craniosynostosis present.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the treatment of craniosynostosis involving multiple cranial sutures. This condition may present with various symptoms and complications, including:

  • Increased intracranial pressure due to restricted brain growth and development.
  • Abnormal head shape resulting from the premature fusion of cranial sutures.
  • Developmental delays that may arise from impaired brain function.
  • Associated syndromic features in cases where craniosynostosis is part of a syndrome, such as Crouzon or Apert syndrome.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for craniectomy due to craniosynostosis involving multiple sutures consists of several detailed steps:

  • Skin incision and scalp flap elevation - A skin incision is made over the affected cranial suture, and a scalp flap is elevated to provide access to the skull.
  • Skull exposure and burr hole drilling - The skull is exposed, and burr holes are drilled along the planned craniectomy lines to facilitate the removal of bone.
  • Bone wedge removal - A wedge of bone is excised from the skull. The specific location and shape of the bone wedge depend on the type of craniosynostosis. For metopic craniosynostosis, the wedge extends from the soft spot at the crown of the head to the top of the nose. In coronal synostosis, the wedge is removed from the soft spot to the ear on the affected side. For sagittal synostosis, bone cuts are made in the midline across the top of the skull, with a second cut near the back of the skull, allowing for the removal of a rectangular section of bone.
  • Additional bone cuts - The bone is further cut diagonally at the top of the skull and extended to the soft spot, where a V-shaped section is removed. Side cuts are also made on each side of the skull to remove additional bone wedges, enabling side expansion of the narrowed skull.
  • Closure of incisions - The incisions are closed in layers to ensure proper healing.
  • Post-operative helmet application - After the procedure, the infant is fitted with a custom-made helmet designed to assist in reshaping the skull as bone growth occurs.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the infant for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. The infant will typically be placed in a custom-made helmet to promote proper skull shape as healing occurs. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and ensure that the skull is reshaping correctly. Parents or caregivers will receive instructions on how to care for the surgical site and manage any discomfort the infant may experience during recovery.
Short Descr RELEASE OF SKULL SEAMS
Medium Descr CRANIECT CRANIOSYNOSTOSIS MULT CRANIAL SUTURES
Long Descr Craniectomy for craniosynostosis; multiple cranial sutures
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) 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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system procedures

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

69990 Addon Code MPFS Status: Restricted APC N ASC N1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article 1Microsurgical techniques, requiring use of operating microscope (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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