CPT® Code 22812

Anterior arthrodesis, commonly known as spinal fusion, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting spinal deformities, such as kyphosis or scoliosis, by fusing two or more vertebral segments. This procedure is particularly indicated for patients with significant spinal deformities that may cause pain, instability, or functional impairment. The surgery involves making an incision in the anterior (front) part of the body, which may be located in the neck, thoracic region, thoracoabdominal area, abdomen, retropleural space, or retroperitoneal space, depending on the specific location of the deformity. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues to expose the affected vertebrae. The vertebral segments are then prepared for fusion by roughening their surfaces to enhance the integration of the bone graft. A bone graft, which can be autogenous (taken from the patient's own body, such as the ribs or iliac crest) or allograft (from a bone bank), is placed along the prepared vertebrae to facilitate the fusion process. Additionally, internal fixation devices may be utilized to stabilize the vertebrae during the healing process. The surgical site is closed in layers, and a body cast may be applied if necessary to support the spine during recovery. This procedure is specifically coded as CPT® 22812 when it involves the fusion of eight or more vertebral segments.