In simple words: The doctor fixes a broken bone in the lower part of the forearm (radius bone) using small screws and pins inserted through tiny cuts in the skin. The arm is then put in a cast or brace for several weeks to heal.

This procedure involves the percutaneous skeletal fixation of a distal radial fracture or epiphyseal separation.The physician reduces the fracture by manipulating the fractured fragments. A small incision is made, and pins and screws are inserted to maintain reduction. The forearm is then immobilized in a cast or brace for 4-6 weeks.A postoperative x-ray may be performed to confirm reduction.This code does not include treatment of ulnar styloid fractures; use 25651 or 25652 for those.

Example 1: A 35-year-old male falls off his bicycle, sustaining a distal radius fracture.The physician performs a closed reduction and percutaneous pinning under fluoroscopy, followed by cast application., A 16-year-old female sustains an epiphyseal separation of the distal radius during a gymnastics competition. The physician performs a percutaneous fixation with pins and screws, followed by splinting., An elderly patient with osteoporosis suffers a comminuted distal radius fracture. The physician performs a percutaneous fixation with a combination of screws and Kirschner wires, followed by a cast application and post-operative X-ray confirmation of reduction.

Preoperative and postoperative x-rays, operative report detailing the procedure, type of fixation devices used, and the immobilization applied.Physician's notes documenting the patient's history, physical examination findings, and the assessment of the fracture.

** This code is for percutaneous fixation only. Open treatment of distal radial fractures is coded differently.Always verify the correct coding based on the documentation.