CPT® Code 21296

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21296 involves the reduction of the masseter muscle and the underlying bone through an intraoral approach. This procedure is specifically indicated for the treatment of benign masseteric hypertrophy, a condition characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the masseter muscle, which is one of the primary muscles responsible for chewing. This hypertrophy can lead to a noticeable bulging at the mandibular angle, resulting in aesthetic concerns and potential functional issues. The intraoral approach distinguishes this procedure from similar interventions, such as those described in CPT® Code 21295, which utilizes an extraoral preauricular incision. During the procedure, an incision is made along the anterior edge of the mandibular ramus, allowing for direct access to the masseter muscle and the underlying bone. The surgical technique involves subperiosteal dissection, which is the careful separation of the tissue from the bone, followed by the detachment of the masseter muscle at its inferior posterior border. The procedure may also involve the use of a bur or saw to reduce any bony prominence at the mandibular angle, ensuring a more aesthetically pleasing contour. The masseter muscle is then resected and resized before being reattached to the mandible, and the incisions are subsequently closed, completing the surgical intervention.