CPT® Code 24359

Tenotomy, elbow, lateral or medial (eg, epicondylitis, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow); debridement, soft tissue and/or bone, open with tendon repair or reattachment

The CPT® Code 24359 refers to a surgical procedure known as a tenotomy of the elbow, specifically targeting either the lateral or medial aspect, which is commonly associated with conditions such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). Lateral epicondylitis is characterized by pain on the outer side of the elbow, resulting from injury to the wrist extensors, which are the muscles responsible for lifting the hand. Conversely, medial epicondylitis involves pain on the inner side of the elbow due to injury to the wrist flexors, the muscles that facilitate hand movement downwards. During this procedure, an incision is made over the lateral or medial epicondyle, depending on the specific condition being treated. In cases of lateral tenotomy, the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon, which connects the wrist extensors to the lateral epicondyle, is incised. For medial tenotomy, the common flexor tendon, which attaches the wrist flexors to the medial epicondyle, is incised. The procedure involves not only the tenotomy but also the debridement of soft tissue and/or bone, which is performed in an open manner. This includes the excision of degenerated tissue and the removal of soft tissue from the tendon insertion site at the epicondyle. Additionally, any bone spurs present may be excised, and multiple drill holes may be created in the affected epicondyle to facilitate healing. Importantly, CPT® Code 24359 is specifically used when the tenotomy is accompanied by an open tendon repair or reattachment. In this case, bone anchors are placed in the affected epicondyle, and the suture material from these anchors is threaded through the remaining portion of the affected tendon, allowing for the tendon to be securely reattached to the epicondyle. This comprehensive approach aims to alleviate pain and restore function in the elbow joint.