Summary & Overview
CPT 24582: Percutaneous Fixation of Humeral Condyle Fracture
CPT code 24582 denotes percutaneous manipulation and pin/wire fixation of a fracture of the humeral condyle. This orthopedic procedure is used to realign and stabilize a fractured condylar segment of the humerus using closed reduction and percutaneous pins or wires. Nationally, accurate coding for this procedure matters for clinical tracking, surgical quality measurement, and appropriate payment for operative fracture management.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines how the code is classified, typical settings where the service is performed, and common clinical scenarios for use. Readers will find an overview of coding intent and clinical context, expected sites of service, and information relevant to billing workflows. It also highlights common modifiers used with this type of procedure (list provided) and notes where input data were not available.
This piece is written for a national audience and is intended to help clinical coders, practice managers, and policy analysts understand the clinical meaning of CPT code 24582, the service environments in which it is billed, and the payer landscape typically associated with operative fracture care. Data not available in the input are noted where relevant.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 24582 describes a percutaneous manipulation and fixation of a fracture of the humeral condyle. The procedure involves closed reduction (manipulation) of the fractured condylar region of the humerus and percutaneous insertion of pins or wires through the skin into bone to stabilize the fracture.
Service type: Percutaneous fracture fixation (orthopedic surgical procedure)
Typical site of service: Hospital inpatient or outpatient operating room, ambulatory surgical center, or emergency department procedural suite
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old male falls from a ladder onto his outstretched arm and presents to the emergency department with acute left elbow pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Imaging confirms a displaced lateral condyle fracture of the distal humerus. After initial analgesia, neurovascular assessment, and informed consent, the patient is taken to the operating room for a percutaneous closed reduction with pin fixation. The surgical team performs conscious sedation or general anesthesia, achieves closed manipulation to realign the condylar fragment, and inserts percutaneous Kirschner wires (K-wires) to stabilize the fracture. Fluoroscopy is used intraoperatively to confirm alignment and hardware position. Postprocedure care includes dressing the pin sites, immobilization in a splint or cast, postanesthesia recovery, instructions for pin-site care, and scheduling outpatient follow-up with repeat radiographs and planned pin removal in 4–6 weeks depending on healing.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
LT | Left side | When the procedure is performed on the left humeral condyle |
RT | Right side | When the procedure is performed on the right humeral condyle |