Q&A Spinal Fusions

[Mpoole714]

I am reviewing the spinal section of the CPT ~ specifically Arthrodesis (fusions). What is the difference between the regular technique (e.g., code 22590, Arthrodesis, posterior technique) and an interbody technique (e.g., code 22360, Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique)?

Thank you in advance for the help!

Michelle

 

[Ruth Sheets]

22590 Arthrodesis, posterior technique, craniocervical (occiput-C2)

According to Supercoder 22360 was deleted in 1993. Which codes did you mean?

 

[Mpoole714]

22590 Arthrodesis, posterior technique, craniocervical (occiput-C2)

According to Supercoder 22360 was deleted in 1993. Which codes did you mean?

Oops ~ I meant 22630 Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique for the 2nd code!

 

[Ruth Sheets]

22590 Arthrodesis, posterior technique, craniocervical (occiput-C2)

22630 Arthrodesis, posterior interbody technique, including laminectomy and/or discectomy to prepare interspace (other than for decompression), single interspace; lumbar

These codes differ in location of the fixation and whether we are talking about the interspaces or the vertebrae.

22590 is for the top of the spine from occiput-C2 and is dealing with the vertebral segments, because it did not say interspaces.

22630 is for the lumbar region, just one single interspace.

In an interbody spine fusion, the bone graft is placed in between the vertebral bodies where the disc usually lies. The disc has to be completely removed and endplates cleaned prior to placement of the graft. Codes 22630 & 22632 are working on the interspaces.

 

[Mpoole714]

Thanks Ruth. It makes much more sense now!