CPT® Code 20912

The procedure described by CPT® Code 20912 involves the transplantation of cartilage specifically from the nasal septum. This surgical intervention is typically performed to reconstruct facial structures, particularly in cases where there is a need to alleviate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. The term "cartilage graft" refers to the process of taking cartilage from one anatomical site and relocating it to another site within the same individual or, in some cases, from a donor. In the context of grafting, there are different types of grafts: an autograft is when the cartilage is harvested from the same individual undergoing the procedure; an allograft, also known as a homograft, involves cartilage taken from another human donor; and a xenograft, or heterograft, is derived from a donor of a different species. The surgical technique requires the physician to make an incision over the area where the donor cartilage is located, followed by the resection of surrounding muscles to facilitate the harvesting of the cartilage graft. It is important to note that this code is specifically designated for grafts taken from the nasal septum, distinguishing it from other types of cartilage grafts, such as those harvested from the costochondral area, which is coded under CPT® Code 20910.