2025 CPT code 23550

Open treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation, acute or chronic.

Follow CPT guidelines for surgical procedures and specific instructions regarding fracture and dislocation treatment.Appropriate modifiers should be appended when necessary based on the circumstances of the procedure.

Modifiers 22 (increased procedural services), 50 (bilateral procedure), 51 (multiple procedures), 52 (reduced services), 59 (distinct procedural service), 62 (two surgeons), 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician), and 78 (unplanned return to OR) may be applicable depending on the specifics of the case.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of a clinically significant AC joint dislocation causing significant pain, instability, and functional impairment. Conservative management has failed or is deemed inappropriate.The decision to perform open reduction and internal fixation is made based on the severity of the dislocation and the patient's clinical presentation.

The orthopedic surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, from pre-operative assessment and planning to post-operative care and follow-up. This includes proper patient preparation, anesthesia, surgical technique, implant selection and placement, wound closure, and post-operative instructions.

IMPORTANT Code 23552 (Open treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation, acute or chronic; with fascial graft (includes obtaining graft)) should be used if a fascial graft is utilized during the procedure.Other codes may be necessary depending on additional procedures performed, such as those related to nerve or vessel repair.

In simple words: This code describes surgery to fix a separated shoulder (where the collarbone and shoulder blade come apart). The doctor makes an incision, realigns the bones, and uses pins or screws to hold them in place.The shoulder is then put in a sling or brace for about a month to help it heal.

This CPT code encompasses the open surgical treatment of an acute or chronic acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation.The procedure involves surgical incision, dissection through subcutaneous tissue while protecting nerves and vessels, muscle retraction for adequate joint exposure, reduction (realignment) of the dislocated joint, internal fixation using implants (screws, pins, or wires) to stabilize the joint, wound closure via suturing, and post-operative immobilization (sling or brace) for approximately four weeks.Additional imaging (X-ray) may be performed separately to confirm reduction.

Example 1: A 25-year-old male rugby player sustains an AC joint dislocation during a game. He presents with significant pain and deformity of the shoulder. Open reduction and internal fixation using screws is performed., A 40-year-old female experiences a chronic, recurrent AC joint dislocation causing significant pain and instability. Open reduction and internal fixation with pins is indicated and performed., A 60-year-old male falls and sustains an AC joint dislocation complicated by a significant fracture of the clavicle.Open reduction and internal fixation of both the dislocation and fracture are performed.

Pre-operative imaging (X-rays), operative report detailing surgical technique, implant type and placement, intraoperative imaging, and post-operative X-rays to confirm reduction.Patient history and physical examination findings should be well documented.

** This code should only be used for open surgical treatment of AC joint dislocations.Arthroscopic procedures are coded differently.Always refer to the most current CPT manual for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

  • Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: No TC modifier is applicable to this code.
  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
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