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CPT®
21810

CPT® Code 21810
Deleted

Code deleted, see 21899

Official Description

Treatment of rib fracture requiring external fixation (flail chest)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 21810 refers to the treatment of rib fractures that necessitate the use of external fixation, specifically in cases of flail chest. Flail chest is a critical condition that arises from severe blunt trauma to the chest, leading to multiple fractures of the ribs, which can occur both anteriorly and posteriorly. This injury results in a segment of the thoracic cage becoming detached from the rest of the chest wall, causing it to fail in its normal movement and expansion during respiration. The treatment involves surgical intervention where an incision is made over the thoracic area to expose the fractured ribs. In some cases, external fixation can be applied using a closed technique, guided by radiographic imaging to ensure proper placement. The primary goal of this procedure is to stabilize the fractured rib segments, thereby restoring the integrity of the chest wall and facilitating normal respiratory function.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 21810 is indicated for the treatment of rib fractures that result in flail chest. The following conditions warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Severe blunt trauma resulting in multiple rib fractures.
  • Flail chest characterized by a segment of the thoracic cage that is detached from the rest of the chest wall, leading to impaired respiratory mechanics.
  • Instability of the chest wall due to the presence of multiple anterior and/or posterior rib fractures.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 21810 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of rib fractures. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure An incision is made over the thoracic area where the rib fractures are located. This incision allows the surgeon to access the affected ribs directly, ensuring that the surgical field is adequately prepared for further intervention.
  • Step 2: Identification of Fractured Ribs Once the thoracic cavity is exposed, the surgeon identifies the fractured rib segments that require stabilization. This step is crucial for determining the extent of the injury and planning the fixation strategy.
  • Step 3: Application of External Fixation The fractured rib segments are stabilized using external fixation devices. This may involve the use of pins or screws that are anchored to the ribs and connected to an external frame, providing the necessary support to maintain the alignment and stability of the rib cage.
  • Step 4: Closed Fixation (if applicable) In some cases, external fixation may be applied in a closed manner, utilizing radiographic assistance to guide the placement of fixation devices without the need for extensive exposure of the ribs.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients typically require monitoring for any complications related to the surgery or the underlying rib fractures. Post-procedure care may include pain management, respiratory therapy to promote lung expansion, and monitoring for signs of infection at the incision site. Patients are often advised on activity restrictions to ensure proper healing of the rib cage. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the stability of the external fixation and the healing process of the rib fractures.
Short Descr TREATMENT OF RIB FRACTURE(S)
Medium Descr TX RIB FRACTURE EXTERNAL FIXATION FLAIL CHEST
Long Descr Treatment of rib fracture requiring external fixation (flail chest)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure
Date
Action
Notes
2015-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 21899
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
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