Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Our patient had a total shoulder replacement, and the glenoid component has now deteriorated to the point where the cement cracked and is all over the glenohumeral joint. Our surgeon removed the loose bodies and the rest of the glenoid component. Should we report 23107 or 23331 for this service?

South Dakota Subscriber

Answer: Because the glenoid component of the total shoulder failed and the physician had to remove it, you should report 23334 (Removal of prosthesis, includes debridement and synovectomy when performed; humeral or glenoid component) for removal of one-component of a total shoulder or 23335 (Removal of prosthesis, includes debridement and synovectomy when performed; humeral and glenoid components [e.g., total shoulder]) for the removal of both components.

The physician’s work picking out the cement fragments would be included in 23334 or 23335. Therefore, 23107 (Arthrotomy, glenohumeral joint, with joint exploration, with or without removal of loose or foreign body) won’t meet your coding needs.

---