CPT® Code 62140

A cranioplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a defect in the skull, which can occur due to trauma, surgery, or congenital conditions. The specific procedure described by CPT® Code 62140 pertains to the repair of a skull defect that measures up to 5 centimeters in diameter. During this operation, the surgeon may utilize a cranial bone graft, which is a piece of bone taken from the patient's own body, or other synthetic materials designed for this purpose. The surgical site is carefully exposed to allow access to the defect. If the defect is being repaired with previously removed cranial bone, that bone is retrieved from a subcutaneous pocket, which is a separate procedure that must be reported independently. Once the graft or prosthetic material is prepared, it is placed over the defect and secured in position using various methods, including sutures, wires, or a combination of miniplates and screws. In cases where a prosthetic plate is used, it serves as an artificial replacement to restore the skull's integrity. This procedure is essential for protecting the brain and restoring the normal contour of the skull.