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Official Description

Open treatment of anterior pelvic bone fracture and/or dislocation for fracture patterns that disrupt the pelvic ring, unilateral, includes internal fixation, when performed (includes pubic symphysis and/or ipsilateral superior/inferior rami)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27217 refers to the open treatment of an anterior pelvic bone fracture and/or dislocation, specifically for fracture patterns that disrupt the pelvic ring on a unilateral basis. This procedure includes internal fixation when performed, which may involve the pubic symphysis and/or the ipsilateral superior and inferior rami. Anterior pelvic ring injuries typically consist of fractures of the pubic rami and/or dislocations, known as diastasis, of the pubic symphysis. These injuries often require a detailed radiographic study of the pelvis to accurately assess the extent of the fracture and/or dislocation. The surgical approach involves making an incision over the site of the fracture or dislocation, allowing for direct access to the affected area. During the procedure, the anterior rectus muscle is identified, and any associated avulsion injuries are evaluated. If the anterior rectus muscle remains intact, it is incised to facilitate further dissection. Careful dissection is crucial to identify and protect surrounding neurovascular structures, as well as the spermatic cord and bladder in male patients. The fracture or dislocation site is then exposed, cleared of any debris, and reduced, which may involve applying pressure to both iliac crests. If manual pressure does not achieve adequate reduction, specialized tools such as pelvic reduction clamps or forceps may be utilized. Once anatomical reduction is confirmed, the bone is prepared for fixation using plates and screws, ensuring stability and proper alignment of the pelvic structure. The procedure concludes with a thorough irrigation of the wound before it is closed, ensuring optimal healing conditions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27217 is indicated for specific conditions related to anterior pelvic ring injuries. These include:

  • Fracture of the Pubic Rami - This condition involves a break in the pubic rami, which are the bony structures that form part of the pelvic ring.
  • Dislocation of the Pubic Symphysis - This refers to the separation or diastasis of the pubic symphysis, the joint located at the front of the pelvis where the two pubic bones meet.
  • Fracture Patterns Disrupting the Pelvic Ring - Any fracture pattern that compromises the integrity of the pelvic ring may necessitate this surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The open treatment of an anterior pelvic bone fracture and/or dislocation involves several critical procedural steps:

  • Incision and Exposure - An incision is made over the site of the fracture or dislocation to gain access to the affected area. This allows the surgeon to directly visualize and address the injury.
  • Identification of the Anterior Rectus Muscle - The anterior rectus muscle is located, and any avulsion injury is assessed. If the muscle is intact, it is incised to facilitate further dissection.
  • Dissection and Protection of Structures - Dissection continues with careful attention to identify and protect neurovascular structures, as well as the spermatic cord and bladder in male patients, to prevent any inadvertent injury during the procedure.
  • Exposure and Reduction of the Fracture/Dislocation - The fracture or dislocation site is exposed and cleared of debris. Reduction is attempted by applying pressure over both iliac crests. If this does not achieve adequate reduction, pelvic reduction clamps or forceps may be employed.
  • Preparation for Fixation - Once anatomical reduction is confirmed, the bone is prepared for internal fixation. A plate is affixed to the superior surface of the symphysis pubis using cancellous screws.
  • Placement of Screws - Screws are inserted through the anterior superior aspect of the pubis on either side of the symphysis, positioned in a posterior inferior direction to penetrate the full depth of the pubis on each side.
  • Verification of Anatomic Reduction - Anatomic reduction is verified through radiographic imaging to ensure proper alignment and stability of the pelvic structure.
  • Wound Closure - The surgical site is irrigated to remove any contaminants, and the incision is then closed to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the open treatment of an anterior pelvic bone fracture and/or dislocation includes monitoring for any complications, ensuring proper wound healing, and managing pain. Patients may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected area. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to verify that the internal fixation remains stable. Radiographic evaluations may also be performed during follow-up visits to ensure that the anatomical alignment is maintained and to check for any signs of complications.

Short Descr TREAT PELVIC RING FRACTURE
Medium Descr OPTX ANT PELVIC BONE FX&/DISLC INT FIXJ IF PFR
Long Descr Open treatment of anterior pelvic bone fracture and/or dislocation for fracture patterns that disrupt the pelvic ring, unilateral, includes internal fixation, when performed (includes pubic symphysis and/or ipsilateral superior/inferior rami)
Status Code Not Valid for Medicare Purposes
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 0
CCS Clinical Classification 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure
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).
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.
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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