ICD-10-PCS Billable Code

XNH73HB

Insertion Pelvic Bone, Left to New Technology Group 11 with Internal Fixation Device, Bone-Density-Specific Thread and Porosity Pattern, Percutaneous Approach

Procedural Specifications

Clinical Axis Detail Definition
SectionX New Technology
Body SystemN Bones
OperationH Insertion
Body Part7 Pelvic Bone, Left
Approach3 Percutaneous
DeviceH Internal Fixation Device, Bone-Density-Specific Thread and Porosity Pattern
QualifierB New Technology Group 11

Operation Definition

Putting in a nonbiological appliance that monitors, assists, performs, or prevents a physiological function but does not physically take the place of a body part

Procedure Overview

This family involves placing a nonbiological device onto or into a bone that monitors or supports a physiological function without replacing any bone itself, such as a sensor-equipped fixation component used to track healing, pressure, or load at a fracture or fusion site. Unlike a bone graft or joint replacement, nothing about the bone's structure is being substituted; the device is an add-on tool that gathers information or performs a supporting function while the bone remains the body's own. This kind of technology is generally used alongside a primary orthopedic procedure, such as a spinal fusion or fracture fixation, to give the surgical team ongoing feedback about how the area is healing or bearing weight. For patients, it is usually explained as an extra layer of monitoring built into hardware they were already going to receive, rather than a separate implant decision.

Anatomy & Axis Detail

Pelvic Bone, Left

The left pelvic bone, formed from the fused ilium, ischium, and pubis, plays the same weight-bearing and stabilizing role as its right-sided counterpart, transmitting load between the spine and the lower limb through the hip and sacroiliac joints. Insertion of a new-technology device here is typically undertaken for severe fracture, bone loss around a failing hip implant, or a structural defect following tumor removal, with the device intended to promote bone healing or provide localized biologic support rather than replace the bony architecture. The pelvis's irregular shape and proximity to pelvic organs and major vessels require careful planning distinct from insertion into long bones. Because laterality changes the surgical approach and any related hip or sacroiliac involvement, the record should clearly identify the left side and the specific pelvic subsite treated to keep it distinct from right-sided or contralateral procedures.

Approach: Percutaneous

In New Technology, Percutaneous describes entry into the body via needle or instrument puncture through the skin or a mucous membrane, without a surgical incision, mirroring the same concept in Medical and Surgical. It is distinguished from Open access, which requires a full incision, and from Percutaneous Endoscopic, which adds visualization through the puncture site.

Device / Substance / Technology: Internal Fixation Device, Bone-Density-Specific Thread and Porosity Pattern

This device designation covers internal fixation hardware whose screw threads and porous coating are engineered to match a patient's bone mineral density, improving purchase in osteoporotic or compromised bone compared with a uniform-thread standard implant. It is reported under New Technology because the density-matched thread and porosity pattern represent a distinct manufacturing approach rather than a generic fixation device. It differs from lattice-patterned fixation devices, which vary porosity for ingrowth rather than density matching.

Qualifier: New Technology Group 11

This qualifier designates Group 11, the most recent cohort at the time of its introduction, grouping technologies newly approved for New Technology section reporting in that fiscal year. Like every group value in this axis, it functions as an administrative marker rather than a description of the clinical intervention, which is captured elsewhere in the code. Its main point of confusion is with Group 10, the immediately preceding annual release.

Coding & Documentation

Coders need documentation that names the specific device and describes its monitoring or assistive function, since New Technology Insertion codes require identifying the exact system rather than just noting that hardware was placed in bone. The note should make clear the device does not physically substitute for any bone that was removed, and should specify the bone and region involved. A common mistake is bundling the sensor or monitoring component into the fixation device code without separately capturing the New Technology insertion, or applying this code when the device is simply a standard fixation screw or plate with no monitoring or assistive function.

Commonly Confused With

This family is frequently confused with standard Insertion of internal fixation devices, which are coded in the Medical and Surgical section and do not carry a monitoring or assistive function; the distinguishing feature is whether the hardware actively senses or supports a physiological process versus purely providing mechanical stability. It should also be separated from Replacement procedures involving synthetic or structural bone substitutes, since those substitute for bone rather than simply monitoring it, and from bone growth stimulator placements reported elsewhere if the specific device does not meet New Technology criteria.

Procedural Guidance & FAQs

Coding Accuracy

Is XNH73HB a billable procedure?

Yes, XNH73HB is a complete, 7-character procedural specification that is acceptable for hospital claim reimbursement.

Technical Axis

What approach is used for XNH73HB?

This procedure utilizes the Percutaneous approach, mapping to the 5th character in the PCS axis.

Metadata Tags

percutaneous thread fixation pelvic internal insertion technology porosity