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A xenograft implantation into the articular surface involves the use of a scaffold or implant derived from a non-human animal, specifically designed to repair lesions in the cartilage of a joint surface that have been affected by osteoarthritis. This procedure serves as an alternative to traditional methods such as autografts, which are harvested from the patient’s own body, or allografts, which are sourced from a bone bank. The xenograft, often made from porcine joint cartilage, is meticulously prepared prior to implantation. This preparation includes thorough cleansing and decellularization of cylindrical xenograft osteochondral plugs to eliminate all antigens, thereby minimizing the risk of rejection by the patient's immune system. The surgical process begins with a skin incision over the affected joint compartment, such as the knee, allowing access to the joint capsule. Once the joint is accessed, the surgeon inspects the surfaces to identify the specific area of cartilage damage. The extent of the damage is measured, and the number of grafts needed for effective repair is determined. Following this assessment, the damaged cartilage is debrided, drilled, and prepared to receive the osteochondral xenografts. The surgeon then customizes one or more xenografts to fit the defect in the articular surface, ensuring they are properly placed and stabilized. After confirming the stability of the grafts through range of motion checks, the surgical tools and arthroscope are removed, and the portal incisions are closed, completing the procedure.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure of xenograft implantation into the articular surface is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful implantation of the xenograft:
After the xenograft implantation procedure, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure optimal recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of infection, managing pain, and following rehabilitation protocols to restore joint function. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions to protect the surgical site and allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the integration of the graft and the overall recovery process.
| Short Descr | XENOGRAFT IMPLTJ ARTCLR SURF | Medium Descr | XENOGRAFT IMPLANTATION INTO ARTICULAR SURFACE | Long Descr | Xenograft implantation into the articular surface | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2023-01-01 | Added | First appearance in codebook. |
| 2022-07-01 | Added | Code added. |
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