2025 CPT code 24344
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the elbow using a tendon graft.
Modifiers such as 22 (increased procedural services), 50 (bilateral procedure), 51 (multiple procedures), etc., may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the case.
Medical necessity for 24344 must be supported by documentation of failed conservative treatment, significant functional impairment, and imaging evidence of a complete LCL tear or chronic instability. The documentation should clearly explain why reconstruction, rather than repair, is the necessary treatment.
The surgeon performs the procedure, including harvesting the graft, preparing the surgical site, reconstructing the ligament, and providing post-operative care.
In simple words: This surgery repairs a damaged ligament on the outer side of your elbow using a piece of tendon taken from elsewhere in your body. This helps stabilize your elbow and improve its function.
This procedure involves reconstructing the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow with a tendon graft. The graft is typically harvested from the patient's own body, often from the forearm or hamstring. This procedure is distinct from a simple repair (24343) which uses local tissue.
Example 1: A baseball pitcher with a chronic, unstable LCL tear that has not responded to conservative treatment undergoes LCL reconstruction with a tendon graft to restore elbow stability and allow him to return to pitching., A patient falls and dislocates their elbow, resulting in a severe LCL tear. Due to the extent of the damage, reconstruction with a tendon graft is necessary., A patient with a previous LCL repair experiences recurrent instability and pain. Revision surgery is performed, and due to the compromised integrity of the original ligament, reconstruction with a tendon graft is chosen over a repeat repair.
Operative report detailing the procedure, including the type of graft used, method of fixation, any associated procedures, and the reason for reconstruction rather than repair. Pre-operative imaging (X-rays, MRI) confirming the diagnosis and the need for surgery should also be documented.
- Global Days: Global Days: Refer to the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) guidelines, or other relevant guidelines published by CMS or other payers for accurate global days information related to code 24344.
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC is not typically applicable to 24344 as it describes a complete procedure including the technical and professional components.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Hand Surgery.
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department, Inpatient Hospital (less common).