CPT® Code 21825

The CPT® Code 21825 refers to the open treatment of a sternum fracture, which involves a surgical procedure aimed at addressing fractures of the sternum, a flat bone located in the center of the chest. This procedure may be performed with or without the use of skeletal fixation, which is a method to stabilize the fractured bone. During the operation, the physician makes an incision over the sternum to gain direct access to the fractured area. Once the fracture is accessed, the physician carefully reduces the fracture, which means aligning the broken pieces of the sternum back into their proper position. To ensure that the fracture remains stable and properly aligned during the healing process, the physician may employ internal fixation techniques, such as plates or screws. After the necessary repairs and stabilization are completed, the physician will close all incisions made during the procedure. This surgical intervention is critical for restoring the structural integrity of the chest wall and facilitating proper healing of the sternum.