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52096 - Orthopaedic Pin or Wire Insertion

MBS service description:

ORTHOPAEDIC PIN OR WIRE, insertion of, into maxilla or mandible or zygoma, as an independent procedure (Anaes.)
Schedule Fee:
128.55
@85% Benefit Fee:
109.3
@75% Benefit Fee:
109.3
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52096 (Orthopaedic Pin or Wire Insertion) typically used?

The need for insertion of an orthopaedic pin or wire into the maxilla, mandible, or zygoma as an independent procedure arises when a patient requires temporary stabilization or alignment of facial bones—often from minor fractures or surgical preparation—needing a standalone fixation under anesthesia. This procedure uses pins or wires to hold bone segments in place, critical when full plating or external fixation isn’t required, yet stability is essential for healing. It is indicated in the maxillofacial region where precise bone positioning supports function and aesthetics.

  • Minor fractures: A small zygomatic crack might need a pin to align it without extensive surgery.
  • Pre-surgical prep: Pins might stabilize a mandible before grafting, ensuring proper positioning.
  • Temporary fixation: A loose bone segment post-trauma can be wired until definitive repair.
  • Minimal intervention: Patients needing quick stabilization benefit from this less invasive option.

For example, a patient with a minor mandibular fracture from a fall might need a wire to hold it steady, done in a clinic. In aged care, an elderly patient with a zygomatic shift could require this to avoid complex surgery, given their frailty. By inserting pins or wires, this service stabilizes bones, promotes healing, and prevents misalignment, making it a practical solution for specific maxillofacial bone issues.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons inserting an orthopaedic pin or wire into the patient’s maxilla, mandible, or zygoma under anesthesia offer stabilizing benefits. A key advantage is stabilizing bones. This procedure secures the patient’s fractured or weakened bone, promoting proper alignment—essential for 'orthopaedic pin benefits.' It also promotes alignment by holding the bone in place, ensuring the patient’s facial structure heals correctly. Additionally, it aids healing with minimal invasion, reducing the patient’s recovery time and trauma. For surgeons exploring 'maxillofacial stabilization advantages,' this service ensures patients benefit from bone stability, proper alignment, and efficient healing, providing a minimally invasive yet effective solution for bone support.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of 2-4 weeks with pin care; removal may be needed later.

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