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Official Description

Removal of hip prosthesis; (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27090 refers to the surgical removal of a hip prosthesis, which is classified as a separate procedure. This operation is typically indicated when there are complications or failures associated with a previously implanted hip prosthesis. The surgical approach involves making an incision along the lateral aspect of the hip, following the line of the previous incision. Surgeons must carefully dissect through the soft tissue to access the hip prosthesis, which may be encased in scar tissue due to prior surgeries. In some cases, extensive soft tissue release may be necessary, which could involve partial release of the psoas tendon, gluteus maximus insertion, or the head of the rectus femoris muscle. The hip joint is then dislocated to expose the femoral head or the femoral head prosthesis for removal. The procedure requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all components of the prosthesis are removed without damaging surrounding structures. This code is specifically used for uncomplicated removals, distinguishing it from more complex cases that may require additional interventions, such as the removal of bone cement or the placement of a spacer in cases of infection.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 27090 is indicated for the removal of a hip prosthesis under specific circumstances. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Prosthesis Failure The hip prosthesis may have failed due to mechanical issues, wear, or other complications that necessitate its removal.
  • Infection An infection in the hip joint may require the removal of the prosthesis to prevent further complications and to allow for appropriate treatment.
  • Loosening of Components If the components of the hip prosthesis have become loose, removal may be necessary to address pain and restore function.
  • Severe Pain Persistent pain that is not alleviated by conservative measures may indicate the need for removal of the prosthesis.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the removal of a hip prosthesis as described by CPT® Code 27090 involves several critical steps:

  • Incision and Dissection The surgeon begins by making an incision over the previous incision line on the lateral aspect of the hip. This incision allows access to the underlying soft tissues, which are carefully dissected to reach the hip prosthesis. The dissection may require extensive soft tissue release due to scar tissue formation, which can include partial release of the psoas tendon, gluteus maximus insertion, or the head of the rectus femoris muscle.
  • Dislocation of the Hip Once the prosthesis is accessible, the hip joint is dislocated to expose the femoral head or the femoral head prosthesis. This step is crucial for the safe removal of the prosthetic components.
  • Removal of the Acetabular Component To remove the acetabular component, the entire pseudocapsule surrounding the prosthesis is excised. The acetabular cup is then carefully removed from the acetabulum.
  • Removal of the Femoral Component The removal of the femoral component involves addressing any trochanteric overhang, which may be done using a high-speed burr. Alternatively, a trochanteric osteotomy may be performed if necessary. The proximal aspect of the femoral stem is cleared of any visible bone cement or bony overgrowth to facilitate removal.
  • Extraction of the Femoral Component Depending on the type of prosthesis, the femoral component may be removed easily using traction. In some cases, it may require severing fibrous or bony ingrowth into the prosthesis using flexible osteotomes or a small burr. Once sufficiently loosened, the femoral component is extracted from the femur.
  • Flushing the Surgical Site After the removal of both components, the surgical sites are flushed with saline and/or an antibiotic solution to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the removal of a hip prosthesis involves monitoring for complications such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may require pain management and physical therapy to aid in recovery and restore mobility. The surgical site should be kept clean and dry, and any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and determine if further interventions, such as the placement of a new prosthesis, are necessary.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF HIP PROSTHESIS
Medium Descr REMOVAL HIP PROSTHESIS SEPARATE PROCEDURE
Long Descr Removal of hip prosthesis; (separate procedure)
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

20700 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), deep (eg, subfascial) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20704 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20705 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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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