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Official Description

Open treatment of hip dislocation, traumatic, with acetabular wall and femoral head fracture, with or without internal or external fixation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27254 refers to the open treatment of a traumatic hip dislocation that is accompanied by fractures of the acetabular wall and/or femoral head. Traumatic hip dislocations typically occur due to high-energy blunt force trauma, such as that experienced in motor vehicle accidents. Among the types of hip dislocations, posterior dislocations are the most prevalent. The procedure described by this code involves a surgical approach to not only reduce the dislocated hip but also to address any associated fractures that may compromise the stability and function of the hip joint. The acetabulum, which is the socket of the hip joint, and the femoral head, which is the ball of the joint, are critical components that must be carefully managed during this procedure to ensure proper alignment and healing. The surgical intervention includes the removal of any loose fragments, debridement of the joint, and stabilization of fractures using various fixation methods, which may include both internal and external devices. This comprehensive approach aims to restore the normal anatomy of the hip joint, facilitate recovery, and prevent future complications related to the dislocation and fractures.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27254 is indicated for the treatment of traumatic hip dislocation accompanied by fractures of the acetabular wall and/or femoral head. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Traumatic Hip Dislocation: A dislocation of the hip joint resulting from high-energy trauma, often seen in scenarios such as motor vehicle accidents.
  • Acetabular Wall Fracture: A fracture of the acetabular wall, which can compromise the stability of the hip joint and requires surgical intervention to restore proper alignment.
  • Femoral Head Fracture: A fracture of the femoral head that necessitates reduction and stabilization to ensure proper healing and function of the hip joint.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 27254 involves several critical steps to effectively treat the dislocated hip and associated fractures:

  • Step 1: Surgical Approach An incision is made over the hip joint, allowing access to the dislocated hip and any fractured components. The approach may be posterior or anterior, depending on the specific nature of the dislocation and fractures.
  • Step 2: Exposure and Debridement The soft tissues are carefully divided to expose the proximal femur and acetabulum. The hip joint is then irrigated to remove any bone fragments or soft tissue debris that could hinder movement and healing.
  • Step 3: Reduction of the Femoral Head The femoral head is reduced back into the acetabulum using a combination of traction and mechanical forces to ensure proper positioning.
  • Step 4: Management of Fractures If an acetabular wall fracture is present, it is exposed, and the fracture is reduced. Loose fragments are removed, and the fracture is stabilized using temporary pin or wire fixation. Anatomic reduction is confirmed through radiographic imaging.
  • Step 5: Application of Permanent Fixation Depending on the nature of the fractures, permanent fixation devices may be applied. This can include lag screws or a plate and screw device. For lag screws, the outer cortex of the bone is over-drilled, and screws are inserted perpendicular to the fracture site. For plate fixation, a buttress plate is secured along the fracture site with lag screws.
  • Step 6: Femoral Head Fracture Management If the femoral head is fractured, it is debrided and reduced to its normal anatomic position. Internal fixation may be applied using screws, pins, or other devices placed below the articular surface of the femoral head.
  • Step 7: Final Reduction of the Hip The dislocated hip is then reduced, ensuring that all components are properly aligned and stabilized. In some cases, an external fixation device may be applied in addition to or instead of internal fixation to provide further stability.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the treatment described by CPT® Code 27254 typically involves monitoring for complications, managing pain, and initiating rehabilitation. Patients may require physical therapy to restore mobility and strength in the hip joint. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to ensure proper healing of the fractures and the stability of the hip joint. The recovery process can vary based on the extent of the injuries and the surgical intervention performed, but close observation and adherence to rehabilitation protocols are essential for optimal recovery.

Short Descr TREAT HIP DISLOCATION
Medium Descr OPTX HIP DISLC TRAUMTC W/ACTBLR WALL&FEM HEAD
Long Descr Open treatment of hip dislocation, traumatic, with acetabular wall and femoral head fracture, with or without internal or external fixation
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 146 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of hip and femur
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.
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.
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
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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)
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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2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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