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The CPT® Code 27027 refers to a surgical procedure known as a unilateral decompression fasciotomy performed on the pelvic (buttock) compartments. This procedure targets specific muscle compartments within the pelvis, which include the gluteus medius-minimus, gluteus maximus, iliopsoas, and tensor fascia lata muscles. A decompression fasciotomy is indicated in cases of compartment syndrome, a condition that can arise due to trauma or injury to the pelvic ring, leading to increased pressure within the muscle compartments. Although compartment syndrome in the pelvic region is relatively rare, it can result in significant complications if not addressed promptly. The procedure involves making incisions to relieve pressure and restore normal blood flow to the affected muscles. Surgeons have several options for incision techniques, which may include a curved incision along the iliac crest, a posterior incision from the iliac spine to the greater trochanter, or a double curved incision extending from the iliac spine over the greater trochanter down to the gluteal fold. The surgical approach is designed to expose the tensor fascia lata and the muscle sheaths of the gluteal muscles and iliopsoas, allowing for necessary decompression. In some cases, multiple incisions may be required to adequately relieve pressure, and the sciatic nerve may also be inspected for any potential injury during the procedure.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27027 is indicated for the treatment of compartment syndrome within the pelvic (buttock) compartments. This condition may arise due to various factors, including trauma or injury to the pelvic ring, leading to increased pressure within the muscle compartments. The following are specific indications for performing a decompression fasciotomy:
The procedure for a unilateral decompression fasciotomy involves several critical steps to ensure effective decompression of the affected muscle compartments. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the decompression fasciotomy is completed, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may require monitoring for signs of infection, proper wound care, and pain management. Rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function and strength in the affected muscles. The recovery process can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the underlying condition that necessitated the procedure. Follow-up appointments will be important to assess healing and to ensure that there are no complications arising from the surgery.
| Short Descr | BUTTOCK FASCIOTOMY | Medium Descr | DECOMPRESSION FASCIOTOMY PELVIC COMPARTMENT UNI | Long Descr | Decompression fasciotomy(ies), pelvic (buttock) compartment(s) (eg, gluteus medius-minimus, gluteus maximus, iliopsoas, and/or tensor fascia lata muscle), unilateral | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | 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) | 0 - 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 | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | ET | Emergency services | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 2009-01-01 | Added | - |
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