2025 CPT code 25651
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Musculoskeletal System Feed
Percutaneous skeletal fixation of ulnar styloid fracture.
Modifiers such as 57 (decision for surgery), 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician), 77 (repeat procedure by another physician), 25 (significant, separately identifiable E/M service), and 54 (surgical care only) may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established when the ulnar styloid fracture is unstable, and percutaneous fixation is necessary to maintain alignment and promote proper healing. Conservative treatment options may not be sufficient in these cases.
In simple words: The doctor fixes a broken bone in your wrist (the ulnar styloid) by inserting a pin or wire through your skin to hold the pieces together. This is done without a large incision.
This code describes a procedure where a physician inserts pins or wires through the skin to stabilize a fractured ulnar styloid, a bony prominence on the wrist-side of the ulna bone in the forearm.
Example 1: A patient falls and fractures their ulnar styloid. The fracture is unstable, requiring percutaneous fixation to ensure proper healing., A patient experiences a distal radius fracture along with an associated ulnar styloid fracture. Both fractures are addressed, with the ulnar styloid fracture treated using percutaneous skeletal fixation., A patient suffers a fracture to their ulnar styloid during a sporting event. Due to the nature of the fracture and the patient's activity level, percutaneous fixation is chosen to provide stability.
Documentation should support the medical necessity of the procedure (e.g., x-ray showing an unstable ulnar styloid fracture). Details about the procedure itself, such as fluoroscopic guidance, pin/wire placement, and anesthesia, should also be documented.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
- Place of Service: "Ambulatory Surgical Center", "Outpatient Hospital", "Office"