CPT® Code 62141

A cranioplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a defect in the skull, specifically when the defect is larger than 5 cm in diameter. This procedure can be performed using various materials, including a cranial bone graft or synthetic prosthetic plates. The process begins with the exposure of the site where the skull defect is located. 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 bone graft is prepared, it is placed back at the defect site and secured using sutures, wires, or a combination of miniplates and screws to ensure stability and proper healing. In cases where a cranial bone graft is not suitable, a prosthetic plate may be utilized to effectively close the defect. It is important to note that CPT® Code 62140 is designated for the repair of skull defects that are 5 cm or smaller, while CPT® Code 62141 is specifically for defects larger than 5 cm.