Wiki CMC hemiarthroplasty with an implant and trapezioplasty

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I am having a hard time deciding which code(s) are best for this surgery. I am leaning towards an unlisted code but wanted another opinion on it. The implant is actually for part of the metacarpal that is removed but then the trapezium is cleaned up a bit. The doctor thinks 25445 but I do not think that is correct since the implant is not for the trapezium. Thanks so much for your help!

FINDINGS AND PROCEDURE:
After consent was obtained from the patient, he was marked in the
preoperative holding there was taken to the operating room. Time-out
was performed. Antibiotic was given. The extremity was then prepped
and draped in usual surgical fashion. Tourniquet was inflated to 250
mmHg. A longitudinal incision was made along the dorsal aspect of the
base of the thumb CMC joint which was carried through skin and
subcutaneous tissue. Superficial vessels were cauterized. The nerves
were identified and preserved. The CMC joint was exposed. The dorsal
radial artery was visualized and preserved. An ulnarly based
capsulotomy was performed which was elevated. The CMC joint was
exposed. The synovitis was then dissected and removed. The dorsal
aspect of the periosteum of the metacarpal was elevated. The
insertion of the Ph was preserved. A reduction clamp was placed along
the base of the metacarpal. Then using an oscillating saw, an
osteotomy was performed at the base of the metacarpal excising
approximately 6 mm off the metacarpal base. We were able to obtain a
really nice, transverse cut.
The next step was to perform a trapezioplasty which was removing all
the osteophytes on the volar aspect of the trapezium to allow
placement of the implant. I used a combination of the periosteum
elevator and a windshield rasper to fully remove and expose the area.
Osteotome was used to remove all the osteophytes. He did have quite
large osteophytes volarly. Then a sizer was used to measure which
implant was served for the trapezium. A size 4 fit really well and he
could also be a size #5.
Then under fluoroscopy, an awl was used to guide the medullary canal
of the metacarpal which was centralized. Then I used a broacher and I
broached to a size #4, and I felt it was very really nice and tight at
the canal.
Prior to insertion of the trial, I used a planar to make sure it was
nice and flat at the osteotomy site. A size #4 was then placed with
the help of a bone dampener. The joint was then reduced. I then
manipulated the joint with full palmar abduction and opposition. We
had no dislocation or subluxation of the implant. This was performed
under fluoroscopy.
I was happy with the size #4. Then a final implant was opened from
the CMC stablyx set. A #4 opening was then placed in the bone which
was nice and press fit. The joint was then reduced and a Stablyx was
placed. The joint was then manipulated without any subluxation.
The wound was irrigated. The capsule was then closed with a 2-0
Vicryl. I did final manipulation and x-rays were obtained.
Tourniquet was discontinued. The incision was closed in layers with 3
and 4-0 Monocryl and a thumb spica splint was applied keeping the IP
joint covered. The patient tolerated the procedure well.
 
I couldn't find any info on this either, but I'm with you. I'd go with unlisted and compare it to 25445. My only other thought is if you want to contact the manufacturer of the implant, I've heard sometimes they are able to give coding advice.

My providers usually perform 25447, so this was an interesting change to research! :)

Susan, CPC
 
I agree with Susan CPC - current CPC codes don't match that procedure so I would use unlisted (extra work in submitting claim). I work for hand surgeons and they all do CMC tendon arthroplasty for the thumb, using the tendon for suspension always addressing the trapezium and some times the trapezoid. ( They have You Tube videos for the procedure search Joint Jack - Mastella- Watson cmc tendon arthroplasty ). As for your situation I would query the implant company especially if your practice plans to do several of these procedures. We do an incredible number especially as the population is getting older. I remember going through the process when we did toe to finger transfers for congenital anomolies, now the procedure is in the CPT book.

Renee' CPC
 
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