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Official Description

Excision of bone (eg, for osteomyelitis or bone abscess); facial bone(s)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21026 involves the excision of bone from the facial bones, which may include the maxilla or mandible, specifically targeting areas affected by conditions such as osteomyelitis or bone abscess. Osteomyelitis refers to an infection of the bone that can lead to the death of bone tissue, while a bone abscess is a localized collection of pus within the bone. During this surgical intervention, the physician utilizes specialized instruments such as drills, osteotomes, and saws to carefully remove the compromised bone tissue. This excision is critical in managing infections and preventing further complications. In some cases, antibiotic beads may be placed at the surgical site to aid in controlling the infection and promoting healing. It is important to note that any additional procedures, such as bone harvesting or grafting, should be reported separately. Following the excision, the incisions made during the procedure are meticulously closed to facilitate proper recovery and minimize the risk of postoperative complications.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

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