CPT® Code 62147

A cranioplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at repairing a defect in the skull, which may occur due to trauma, surgery, or congenital conditions. In this specific procedure, designated by CPT® Code 62147, the repair is performed using an autograft, meaning that the bone graft is sourced from the patient's own body. The procedure is indicated for skull defects that exceed 5 cm in diameter. During the operation, the area of the skull that has been injured or has a defect is carefully exposed to allow for proper access. If the procedure involves the use of previously removed cranial bone, this bone is retrieved from a subcutaneous pocket, which is a separate reportable procedure. The cranial bone graft is then returned to the defect site and secured in place using various methods such as sutures, wires, or a combination of miniplates and screws to ensure stability and proper healing. In cases where a local bone graft is utilized, a larger piece of bone is harvested from another area of the skull, split with a chisel, and the cortical bone is replaced at the donor site. The defect is then repaired using the inner plate of the donor bone, with both the donor and defect sites being secured with sutures or wires. Alternatively, bone grafts may also be harvested from other anatomical sites such as the tibia, scapula, ribs, or iliac crest, and are shaped to fit the specific dimensions of the skull defect. This procedure is critical for restoring the integrity of the skull and protecting the underlying brain tissue.