CPT Coding for Spine Part 3: Instrumentation and Devices

Vocabulary flashcards related to spinal instrumentation and devices.

Instrumentation

Provides support and stability to the spinal column after a primary procedure.

Vertebral Segment

Basic constituent parts into which the spine may be divided, representing a single complete vertebral bone.

Vertebral Interspace

Non-bony compartment between two adjacent vertebral bodies, containing the intervertebral disc.

Segmental Instrumentation

Fixation at each end of the construct and at least one additional interposed bony attachment.

Non-Segmental Instrumentation

Fixation at each end of the construct, spanning several vertebral segments without attachment to the intervening segments.

Anterior Instrumentation

Instrumentation placed on the front portion of the spinal column.

Posterior Instrumentation

Instrumentation placed on the back side of the spinal column.

Pelvic Fixation

The work of affixing instrumentation to a pelvic structure.

CPT code 22849

Used to report reinsertion of failed spinal fixation devices (stand-alone procedure).

CPT codes 22853 and 22854

Insertion of a biomechanical or synthetic interbody device (includes integral anterior instrumentation when performed).

CPT 22853

Reported when an interbody device is used in conjunction with an interbody arthrodesis.

CPT 22854

Reported when an interbody device is placed into a vertebral corpectomy site in conjunction with an interbody arthrodesis.

CPT 22859

Reported when an interbody device is placed not in conjunction with an interbody arthrodesis.

Grafting Codes

Report one of these for application of an intervertebral bone device or graft.

CPT 20931

A structural allograft placed in the interbody space.

Interspinous Spacers

Small devices implanted between the vertebral spinous processes.

Interlaminar Spacers

Implants inserted between adjacent lamina and spinous processes to provide dynamic stabilization.

CPT 22867 and 22868

Insertion without fusion with an open decompression.

CPT 22869 and 22870

Insertion without fusion or decompression.