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Official Description

Tenotomy, percutaneous, adductor or hamstring; single tendon (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27306 refers to a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon, specifically targeting either the adductor or hamstring muscles. A tenotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the cutting of a tendon to relieve tension or to correct deformities. In this case, the hamstring tenotomy is particularly relevant for addressing flexion deformities of the knee, which can significantly impact a patient's mobility and quality of life. Additionally, the adductor tenotomy, when performed alongside the hamstring tenotomy, is aimed at improving gait in patients suffering from conditions such as cerebral palsy. The hamstring group consists of three primary muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, which are responsible for extending the knee and flexing the thigh. The gracilis muscle, which is also targeted in this procedure, plays a role in flexing and adducting the thigh. During the procedure, a small stab incision is made in the popliteal crease, which is the area behind the knee, directly over the tendon insertion site on the tibia. The tenotomy is performed without enlarging the incision, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. Following the procedure, a long leg or cylinder cast is applied with the knee in an extended position to support the healing process. It is important to note that for cases involving the division of multiple tendons in one leg, CPT® Code 27307 should be utilized instead.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27306 is indicated for specific conditions that affect the knee and gait. The following are the primary indications for performing a percutaneous tenotomy of a single tendon:

  • Flexion Deformities of the Knee This condition involves an abnormal bending of the knee joint, which can restrict movement and cause discomfort. Tenotomy can help alleviate this issue by releasing the tension in the affected tendon.
  • Cerebral Palsy Patients with cerebral palsy may experience gait abnormalities due to muscle tightness or imbalances. The adductor tenotomy, in conjunction with hamstring tenotomy, is performed to improve walking patterns and overall mobility in these patients.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 27306 involves several key steps that are performed with precision to ensure effective outcomes. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and the area around the knee is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. Local anesthesia may be administered to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision A small stab incision is made in the popliteal crease, which is located at the back of the knee. This incision is strategically placed over the tendon insertion site on the tibia to allow for direct access to the tendon without the need for a larger surgical opening.
  • Step 3: Tenotomy Through the stab incision, the gracilis tendon or a single hamstring tendon is carefully divided. This step is performed with precision to ensure that the surrounding tissues remain intact and to minimize recovery time.
  • Step 4: Casting After the tenotomy is completed, a long leg or cylinder cast is applied to the leg with the knee in an extended position. This casting is crucial for immobilizing the knee and supporting the healing process following the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a percutaneous tenotomy involves monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. The cast is typically kept in place for a specified duration to ensure proper healing of the tendon. Patients may be advised on pain management strategies and the importance of follow-up appointments to assess recovery progress. Rehabilitation exercises may be introduced gradually to restore function and strength to the affected leg once the cast is removed, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery.

Short Descr INCISION OF THIGH TENDON
Medium Descr TENOTOMY PRQ ADDUCTOR/HAMSTRING 1 TENDON SPX
Long Descr Tenotomy, percutaneous, adductor or hamstring; single tendon (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) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
AG Primary physician
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
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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