Cement Spacer Insertion/Removal

Effective October 1, 2005, new codes have been created to identify the insertion (84.56) and removal (84.57) of a cement spacer. Prior to this change, the insertion of a cement spacer was indexed to an arthrotomy code. The removal of a cement spacer was previously included in the code for the revision and no additional code for removal of the cement spacer was assigned. However, a surgeon may elect to take out an existing joint prosthetic device and replace it with a new one. This would be coded as a total revision and there would be no...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AHA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article discusses procedure coding changes for cement spacer insertion and removal and how those changes interact with hip and lower-extremity joint replacement revision coding. It is aimed at coding professionals who need to understand the scope of the updated procedure codes, related revision categories, and instructional note discrepancies addressed by the source. The article also frames the discussion around staged revision care and the timing of spacer removal versus prosthesis replacement.

Why This Topic Matters

Cement spacer procedures can occur as part of staged orthopedic revision care, and the article clarifies that these procedures are tracked separately in the coding structure. Understanding the relevant procedure code updates and related revision guidance helps ensure consistent reporting for joint replacement cases.

What You Will Learn

  • How cement spacer insertion and removal are addressed in procedure coding
  • How spacer procedures relate to joint replacement revision cases
  • How instructional notes can affect interpretation of related joint replacement codes
  • How staged orthopedic revision care is discussed in the source

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Orthopedic practice staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals

Codes Discussed

  • ICD-9-CM Procedure: 84.56
  • ICD-9-CM Procedure: 84.57
  • ICD-9-CM Procedure: 81.5
  • ICD-9-CM Procedure: 81.53

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