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52092 - Skull Osteomyelitis Surgery

MBS service description:

Operation on skull for osteomyelitis (H) (Anaes.) (Assist.)
Schedule Fee:
529.25
@85% Benefit Fee:
@75% Benefit Fee:
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52092 (Skull Osteomyelitis Surgery) typically used?

The need for an operation on the skull for osteomyelitis arises when a chronic bone infection affects cranial bones in the maxillofacial region—such as the frontal or temporal bones—causing pain, swelling, or structural damage, requiring surgical removal of infected tissue under anesthesia with assistance in a hospital. This rare but severe condition, often from trauma, sinusitis, or surgical complications, resists antibiotics and risks brain involvement or systemic spread, necessitating aggressive intervention. It is critical where infection threatens vital cranial functions or aesthetics.

Specific indications include:

  • Sinus spread: Chronic frontal sinusitis might infect the skull, needing debridement to stop abscess formation.
  • Trauma: A skull fracture from an accident can harbor infection, requiring surgery to remove necrotic bone.
  • Post-surgical: Infection after cranial surgery might form osteomyelitis, needing excision to heal.
  • Systemic threat: Persistent infection risks meningitis or sepsis, prompting urgent surgery.

For instance, a patient with frontal bone osteomyelitis from sinusitis might need this to prevent brain abscess, with assistance ensuring precision near critical areas. In aged care, an elderly patient with skull infection from a prior injury could require this to avoid systemic illness, given their frailty. By removing infected bone, this service stops progression, protects cranial integrity, and supports recovery, making it vital for managing severe osteomyelitis in the maxillofacial skull region.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons operating on the patient’s skull for osteomyelitis under anesthesia with assistance provide critical benefits for severe cranial infections. A primary advantage is halting infection spread. This procedure removes the patient’s infected bone, preventing the spread to vital areas like the brain—essential for 'skull osteomyelitis treatment benefits.' It also preserves skull function by excising only diseased tissue, ensuring the patient’s structural integrity remains intact. Furthermore, it prevents life-threatening complications by addressing the infection promptly, safeguarding the patient’s overall health. For surgeons researching 'cranial osteomyelitis surgery advantages,' this assisted service ensures patients experience infection containment, functional preservation, and protection from severe outcomes, making it a vital intervention for skull infections.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of 4-8 weeks with swelling and monitoring; hospital stay required.

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