CPT® Code 23462

The procedure described by CPT® Code 23462 refers to a capsulorrhaphy, specifically an anterior repair of the shoulder capsule that includes the transfer of the coracoid process. This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for patients experiencing instability of the glenohumeral joint, which is the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder, and for those who have recurrent anterior dislocations of the shoulder. The anterior repair aims to restore the stability of the shoulder by addressing the damaged or disrupted structures within the joint capsule. The technique employed during the procedure can vary based on the specific nature of the injury. Anatomic repairs focus on directly repairing the damaged shoulder structures, while nonanatomic repairs involve shortening or tightening the shoulder structures to enhance joint stability and prevent further dislocations. In this particular procedure, the coracoid process, a bony projection on the scapula, is excised and then transferred to a different location to provide additional support and stability to the shoulder joint. This transfer is crucial as it utilizes the coracoid process along with the attached muscles to reinforce the joint's integrity, thereby reducing the likelihood of future dislocations.