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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Look to 27824-27825 for Salter II Fracture

Published on Fri Jun 15, 2007

Question: Which CPT code should I use for closed treatment of a distal tibia fracture or a Salter II fracture of the distal tibia?

California Subscriber Answer: Your code will depend on whether your orthopedist reduces the fracture using manipulation and/or traction. If he reduces the fracture without manipulation, you-ll use 27824 (Closed treatment of fracture of weight- bearing articular portion of distal tibia [e.g., pilon or tibial plafond], with or without anesthesia; without manipulation). On the other hand, if he uses manipulation or traction, you-ll need 27825 (- with skeletal traction and/or requiring manipulation).
 
Salter-Harris II fractures are particular to pediatric patients because they involve the growth plate of the distal tibia. In this type of fracture, the epiphysis and growth plate separate partially from the metaphysis. And although there are five basic types of Salter-Harris fractures, type II is the most common.
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