2025 CPT code 24420
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Musculoskeletal System Feed
Osteoplasty of the humerus (shortening or lengthening), excluding 64876.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) could be used if additional procedures are performed during the same surgical session.Consult the most recent CPT guidelines for details on modifier usage.
Medical necessity for this procedure would be established based on the patient's clinical presentation, including symptomatic limb length discrepancy, functional impairment, and the lack of response to conservative treatment options. Appropriate documentation supporting the diagnosis and need for the procedure should be included.
The orthopedic surgeon is responsible for performing the osteoplasty, including incision, bone resection or lengthening, fixation with plates and screws, wound closure, and post-operative care.Anesthesiology services may be provided by a separate provider.
In simple words: The doctor performs surgery on the humerus (upper arm bone) to make it either shorter or longer. This involves cutting the bone, reshaping it, and then using plates and screws to hold it in the corrected position.
This procedure involves surgical repair or alteration of the humerus bone to correct its length.The surgeon makes an incision over the humeral shaft, carefully retracting nerves and blood vessels. A wedge-shaped section of bone is then removed (shortening) or the bone is osteotomized and the segments separated (lengthening).The bone ends are then fixed with plates and screws. The surgical site is irrigated and closed, with a drain placed if necessary.This code excludes code 64876 (which is used when shortening the bone is done in conjunction with a nerve shortening procedure).
Example 1: A patient with a humeral fracture that has healed with significant shortening requires lengthening osteotomy to restore limb length., A patient with a congenital humeral deformity causing limb length discrepancy undergoes humeral shortening osteoplasty to achieve limb length equalization., A patient with a pathological fracture of the humerus requires stabilization with an osteoplasty procedure for bone lengthening after removal of a tumor.
* Preoperative and postoperative clinical notes with appropriate diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans)* Operative report detailing surgical technique, hardware used, and blood loss* Anesthesia record* Pathology report (if applicable)* Discharge summary
** Always verify code usage with the payer's specific guidelines and local coverage determination (LCD) to ensure accurate reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P5B (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - MUSCULOSKELETAL)
- RVU: This information requires access to a current Relative Value Unit (RVU) database specific to the payer and location. RVUs vary by region and payer contract.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure varies depending on payer and local guidelines.Additional information should be sought from the specific payer.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is typically not applicable to this procedure, as it is a global surgical package; however, payer-specific rules must be consulted.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data for this code is not available here.Consult a historical CPT codebook or a billing service for this information.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center