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Official Description

Arthrodesis, symphysis pubis (including obtaining graft)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Arthrodesis of the symphysis pubis, as described by CPT® Code 27282, is a surgical procedure aimed at fusing the symphysis pubis joint. This procedure is typically indicated for patients experiencing pain, instability, or inflammation in the joint, often due to conditions such as osteitis pubis. The symphysis pubis is a cartilaginous joint located between the left and right pubic bones, and its fusion can alleviate discomfort and restore stability. The surgical approach involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, which allows the surgeon to access the joint directly. The procedure includes the careful debridement of the fibrocartilaginous disc and hyaline cartilage to prepare the joint surfaces for fusion. A bone graft is harvested from the iliac crest and placed into the joint space to promote healing and stability. The use of a plate and screw device further stabilizes the joint during the recovery process. This comprehensive approach ensures that the joint is adequately fused, thereby addressing the underlying issues that prompted the surgery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of arthrodesis of the symphysis pubis is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Pain Persistent pain in the pubic region that may be due to joint instability or inflammation.
  • Instability A feeling of instability in the pelvic region, which can affect mobility and quality of life.
  • Inflammation Conditions such as osteitis pubis, characterized by inflammation of the symphysis pubis joint, leading to discomfort and functional impairment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for arthrodesis of the symphysis pubis involves several critical steps to ensure successful fusion of the joint:

  • Step 1: The surgical process begins with the patient positioned appropriately, followed by the administration of anesthesia. A skin incision is made over the lower abdomen and pubis to access the symphysis pubis joint.
  • Step 2: The incision is deepened through Scarpa's and Camper's fasciae, allowing the surgeon to reach the abdominal fascia. An additional incision is made along the linea alba to facilitate access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 3: Care is taken to protect the bladder during the procedure. The rectus abdominis muscle's insertion is lifted off the bone to expose the symphysis pubis joint adequately.
  • Step 4: The fibrocartilaginous disc and hyaline cartilage of the joint are meticulously debrided using a curette or drill until bleeding is encountered in the cancellous bone, indicating that healthy bone is exposed for grafting.
  • Step 5: The iliac crest is then exposed, and a cortical bone incision is made to harvest a cancellous bone graft. This graft is crucial for promoting the fusion of the symphysis pubis.
  • Step 6: The harvested cancellous bone graft is packed into the symphysis pubis joint space to facilitate healing and fusion.
  • Step 7: To stabilize the joint, a plate and screw device is applied, ensuring that the joint remains immobile during the healing process.
  • Step 8: A drain may be placed in the retropubic region to prevent fluid accumulation, and the incisions are then closed in layers to promote optimal healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the arthrodesis of the symphysis pubis, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve pain management and physical therapy. The placement of a drain may help reduce the risk of complications such as hematoma or infection. Patients are typically monitored for signs of healing and any potential complications. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the success of the fusion and to guide rehabilitation efforts. The overall recovery time can vary based on individual patient factors and adherence to post-operative care instructions.

Short Descr ARTHRODESIS SYMPHYSIS PUBIS
Medium Descr ARTHRODESIS SYMPHYSIS PUBIS W/OBTAINING GRAFT
Long Descr Arthrodesis, symphysis pubis (including obtaining graft)
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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.

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)
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.
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
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)
Date
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2023-01-01 Note Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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