CPT® Code 24940

Cineplasty of the upper extremity is a surgical procedure that focuses on the isolation and attachment of muscle groups in the chest or arm to a prosthetic limb or device. This technique involves a series of intricate steps aimed at enabling the muscle to control the prosthesis through contraction. Although cineplasty is not frequently performed in contemporary medical practice, advancements in biomechanics and prosthetic technology have led to the exploration of new techniques and applications for this procedure. The specific approach taken during cineplasty is contingent upon the level of amputation and the particular muscle group targeted for isolation. The procedure typically begins with an incision in the skin to expose key muscles such as the pectoral, biceps, triceps, or forearm muscles. Depending on the type of amputation—whether it is an upper arm (humeral) amputation or a lower arm amputation—a loop of muscle may be developed or a muscle tunnel created. Additionally, the surgeon may perform a myoplasty, which involves isolating pairs of agonist and antagonist muscles and securing them to work in unison for effective prosthetic control. Alternatively, or in conjunction with myoplasty, myodesis may be utilized, which involves anchoring the muscle directly to the bone. To complete the procedure, full-thickness skin grafts, typically harvested from the abdomen or upper thigh, are prepared and sutured over the exposed muscle area, allowing for the muscle to be effectively connected to the prosthesis, thereby facilitating its operation through muscular contraction.