Wrist Arthroplasty Coding (January 2005)

Why This Topic Matters

Wrist reconstructive surgery can involve multiple anatomic structures and overlapping procedure types, making accurate code selection dependent on procedure scope and operative details. The article helps readers orient themselves to the general categories of wrist arthroplasty discussed in CPT Assistant and recognize when closely related procedures are being differentiated.

Article Sections

1. Wrist Anatomy

   Overview of the wrist region and the major bones, joints, ligaments, and soft-tissue structures referenced later in the article. Provides anatomical context for the coding discussion that follows.

2. Coding Wrist Arthroplasty

   General coding overview for wrist arthroplasty procedures and how the article frames the major procedure categories. Introduces the CPT references discussed in the detailed sections below.

3. Code 25332

   Discussion of a wrist arthroplasty code and the operative concepts associated with it. Includes general technique context and contrasts it with related wrist and intercarpal procedures.

4. Code 25441

   Procedure overview involving prosthetic replacement of the distal radius. Describes the general operative setting and implant-related concepts referenced by the article.

5. Code 25442

   Procedure overview involving prosthetic replacement of the distal ulna. Covers the broad surgical sequence and reconstruction context described in the article.

6. Code 25443

   Procedure overview involving prosthetic replacement of the scaphoid carpal bone. Presents the general operative and implant context for this code.

7. Code 25444

   Procedure overview involving prosthetic replacement of the lunate. Summarizes the operative setting and supporting structures discussed in the article.

8. Code 25445

   Procedure overview involving prosthetic replacement of the trapezium. Discusses the general technique and related tendon-support concepts described in the article.

9. Code 25446

   Procedure overview for total wrist arthroplasty. Covers the article’s description of the broader reconstructive approach and implant framework.

10. Code 25447

    Discussion of interposition arthroplasty for intercarpal or carpometacarpal joints. Includes the general distinction between the examples presented in the article.

11. Variation: Suspension Arthroplasty

    Description of a thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty variation and its relationship to tendon transfer concepts. Explains why this variation is treated differently in the coding discussion.

12. References

    Bibliographic references cited by the article for further reading on wrist and hand surgery topics. This section is background material rather than coding guidance.