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Official Description

Fasciotomy, iliotibial (tenotomy), open

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The iliotibial tendon, commonly known as the iliotibial band, is a significant anatomical structure that runs along the outer thigh, extending from the hip to the lateral side of the knee and inserting at the tibia. This tendon plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint during movement. When the iliotibial tendon becomes contracted, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and instability in the knee, which may hinder a patient's mobility and overall quality of life. The procedure described by CPT® Code 27305 involves an open fasciotomy, specifically a tenotomy of the iliotibial band. During this surgical intervention, a precise incision is made over the lateral aspect of the knee joint to access the iliotibial tendon. The surgeon then carefully exposes the tendon and incises the posterior aspect of the iliotibial band to alleviate the excessive tightness that contributes to knee instability. Following the release of the tendon, the range of motion of the knee is assessed to confirm that the procedure has effectively addressed the tightness. Finally, the incisions made during the procedure are meticulously closed in layers to promote optimal healing and recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27305 is indicated for patients experiencing specific conditions related to the iliotibial tendon. These indications include:

  • Contracted Iliotibial Tendon The primary indication for performing a fasciotomy of the iliotibial band is the presence of a contracted iliotibial tendon, which can lead to pain and instability in the knee joint.
  • Knee Pain Patients suffering from chronic knee pain that is attributed to tightness in the iliotibial band may require this procedure to alleviate discomfort and improve function.
  • Knee Instability Individuals who experience instability in the knee, particularly during activities that involve bending or weight-bearing, may benefit from the release of the iliotibial tendon.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 27305 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the iliotibial tendon. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making a precise incision over the lateral aspect of the knee joint. This incision is strategically placed to provide optimal access to the iliotibial tendon while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Exposure of the Iliotibial Tendon After the incision is made, the surgeon carefully dissects through the layers of tissue to expose the iliotibial tendon. This step requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that the tendon is adequately visualized without compromising the integrity of adjacent structures.
  • Step 3: Incision of the Iliotibial Band Once the iliotibial tendon is fully exposed, the surgeon proceeds to incise the posterior aspect of the iliotibial band. This incision is crucial for relieving the excessive tightness that contributes to knee instability and pain.
  • Step 4: Range of Motion Assessment Following the incision of the iliotibial band, the surgeon tests the range of motion of the knee joint. This assessment is performed to ensure that an adequate release has been achieved and that the knee can move freely without restriction.
  • Step 5: Closure of Incisions After confirming that the procedure has successfully addressed the tightness, the surgeon closes the incisions in layers. This layered closure technique is essential for promoting proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a fasciotomy of the iliotibial band is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Pain management strategies may be implemented to ensure patient comfort during the recovery phase. Physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength and flexibility to the knee joint, as well as to facilitate a gradual return to normal activities. Patients are advised to follow their surgeon's specific instructions regarding weight-bearing activities and rehabilitation exercises to ensure a successful recovery.

Short Descr INCISE THIGH TENDON & FASCIA
Medium Descr FASCIOTOMY ILIOTIBIAL OPEN
Long Descr Fasciotomy, iliotibial (tenotomy), open
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
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)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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).
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.
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).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
ET Emergency services
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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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