CPT® Code 25126

Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of radius or ulna (excluding head or neck of radius and olecranon process); with allograft

The CPT® Code 25126 refers to the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor located in the radius or ulna, specifically excluding the head or neck of the radius and the olecranon process. A bone cyst is defined as a fluid-filled space within the bone, which can vary in type. The unicameral or simple bone cyst is the most common, characterized as a benign lesion. Another type, the aneurysmal bone cyst, is less common and consists of vascular tissue surrounding a blood-filled cystic lesion. Additionally, there are various benign bone tumors, including giant cell tumors, chondromyxoid fibromas, and enchondromas. The procedure involves making an incision over the lesion site in the radial or ulnar shaft or distal radius or ulna, followed by dissection of the soft tissues to expose the lesion. If a cystic lesion is identified, the bone is incised to create a window, allowing for the aspiration of fluid, which is then sent for laboratory analysis. The lining of the cystic cavity is removed through curettage, or the lesion may be excised along with a margin of healthy bone. In this specific code, after the lesion is treated, the resulting defect is filled with donor bone, known as allograft, to promote healing and structural integrity of the bone.