Guidance

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Shoulder resurfacing arthroplasty.

Description

Degenerative disease (such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis) can cause pain in the shoulder, particularly when the arm is moved.

Shoulder resurfacing involves joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty). Using open surgery, the end of the upper arm bone is reshaped, a small anchoring hole is drilled into the bone and an artificial shoulder joint is placed onto it.

Coding recommendations

One of the following codes is used depending on whether cement is used or not, or not known:

W49.4 Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty of head of humerus using cement

W50.4 Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty of head of humerus not using cement

W51.5 Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty of head of humerus NEC

If both the humerus and the glenoid surface of the scapula are resurfaced then the appropriate codes are:

W58.1 Primary resurfacing arthroplasty of joint

Z81.3 Glenohumeral joint

Endorsing bodies

This interventional procedures guidance is endorsed by Healthcare Improvement Scotland as required by the Health and Social Care Act (2012).

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)