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Official Description

Suture of sciatic nerve

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 64858 refers to the suture repair of the sciatic nerve, which is a critical nerve in the human body responsible for motor and sensory functions in the lower limb. This surgical intervention, also known as end-to-end closure, is performed when the sciatic nerve has been transected or injured. The repair can be executed using various techniques depending on the location and severity of the injury. For injuries that are more distal, an epineural closure technique is typically employed, where the two ends of the damaged nerve are carefully exposed. In this method, the injured nerve may be repositioned to ensure a tension-free repair. The surgeon meticulously dissects the nerve from the surrounding tissues both proximal and distal to the injury site, allowing for proper alignment during the suturing process. In contrast, for more proximal injuries, a perineural closure technique is utilized. This involves exposing the epineurium of the nerve ends and pulling it back to reveal the individual fascicles, which are bundles of axons that perform specific functions, such as sensory or motor activities. The surgeon identifies and aligns these fascicles for end-to-end closure, ensuring that they are sutured together effectively. The suturing process is performed in a manner that prioritizes the deeper fascicles first, gradually moving towards the surface of the nerve until all structures are securely repaired. This meticulous approach is essential for restoring the nerve's functionality and promoting optimal healing. After the nerve repair is completed, the surrounding soft tissues and skin are closed in layers to facilitate recovery and protect the surgical site.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The suture of the sciatic nerve, as described by CPT® Code 64858, is indicated for specific conditions and injuries that compromise the integrity of the nerve. These indications include:

  • Traumatic Nerve Injury: This includes injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or penetrating trauma that lead to the transection of the sciatic nerve.
  • Neuropraxia: A temporary loss of function due to nerve compression or stretching that may require surgical intervention if conservative treatments fail.
  • Complete Nerve Transection: Situations where the nerve has been completely severed, necessitating surgical repair to restore function.
  • Post-Surgical Complications: Cases where previous surgical interventions have resulted in nerve damage or transection that requires repair.

2. Procedure

The procedure for suturing the sciatic nerve involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Exposure of the Nerve Ends The first step in the procedure is to expose the two ends of the transected sciatic nerve. This is achieved through careful dissection of the surrounding tissues to ensure that the nerve is adequately visualized for repair.
  • Step 2: Nerve Positioning If necessary, the injured nerve may be transposed to a new position to facilitate a tension-free repair. This step is crucial for ensuring that the nerve ends can be approximated without undue stress, which could impede healing.
  • Step 3: Epineural Closure for Distal Injuries For distal injuries, an epineural closure technique is performed. The surgeon places several sutures in the epineurium of each nerve end, ensuring that the ends are approximated without tension. This technique is vital for restoring the continuity of the nerve.
  • Step 4: Perineural Closure for Proximal Injuries In cases of proximal injuries, a perineural closure technique is utilized. The epineurium is pulled back to expose the individual fascicles of axons. The surgeon identifies fascicles that perform similar functions and sutures them together using a single suture through the perineurium. If rotation occurs, a second suture may be necessary to maintain alignment.
  • Step 5: Layered Closure After the nerve repair is completed, the surgeon proceeds to close the overlying soft tissues and skin in layers. This layered closure is essential for protecting the surgical site and promoting optimal healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the suture repair of the sciatic nerve, post-procedure care is critical for ensuring proper recovery. Patients may be monitored for signs of nerve function restoration, which can include improvements in sensation and motor function in the lower limb. Pain management strategies will be implemented to address any discomfort following the surgery. Rehabilitation may be recommended to facilitate recovery and restore function, which could include physical therapy focused on strengthening and mobility exercises. Additionally, patients should be advised on wound care to prevent infection and ensure proper healing of the surgical site. Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the healing process and the effectiveness of the nerve repair.

Short Descr REPAIR SCIATIC NERVE
Medium Descr SUTURE SCIATIC NERVE
Long Descr Suture of sciatic nerve
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 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) 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.

64872 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Illustration for Code Suture of nerve; requiring secondary or delayed suture (List separately in addition to code for primary neurorrhaphy)
64874 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Illustration for Code Suture of nerve; requiring extensive mobilization, or transposition of nerve (List separately in addition to code for nerve suture)
64876 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Suture of nerve; requiring shortening of bone of extremity (List separately in addition to code for nerve suture)
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)
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).
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.
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)
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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