CPT® Code 23395

Muscle transfer is a surgical procedure aimed at stabilizing the shoulder and restoring its function. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients who have experienced muscle atrophy or injury in the shoulder region. The procedure can involve various methods, including the local transfer of an existing shoulder muscle to a new location or the free transfer of a muscle from another part of the body, such as the gracilis muscle from the thigh. During the operation, a skin incision is made over the shoulder to access the affected muscle. The surgeon identifies the injured or atrophied muscle, which is then excised. In cases where a local muscle transfer is performed, the existing bony attachments of the muscle are severed, and the muscle is reattached at the designated new site. Conversely, if a free muscle transfer is indicated, a separate incision is made over the donor muscle, which is excised along with its nerve and blood supply. This donor muscle is then trimmed as necessary and sutured to the bones of the shoulder or, in some instances, to the ribs. This meticulous process aims to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate the re-innervation of the muscle, ultimately restoring motion and improving the patient's functional capabilities. The specific code for a single muscle transfer in the shoulder or upper arm is 23395, while multiple muscle transfers are coded under 23397.