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Orthopedic Coding Alert

READER QUESTION:

Ulna and Tibia Fractures

Published on Fri Nov 01, 2002

Question: Which code should we use when reducing a distal ulna fracture? Denver Subscriber Answer: If the fracture falls in the distal end of the ulnar shaft, you should report 25535 (Closed treatment of ulnar shaft fracture; with manipulation) for closed reduction. If the orthopedist performs an open treatment of the ulnar shaft fracture, use 25545 (Open treatment of ulnar shaft fracture, with or without internal or external fixation).

For fractures of the ulnar styloid, CPT added two additional codes in 2002: 25651 (Percutaneous skeletal fixation of ulnar styloid fracture) and 25652 (Open treatment of ulnar styloid fracture).  
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