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Official Description

Tenotomy, percutaneous, adductor or hamstring; multiple tendons

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27307 refers to a percutaneous tenotomy involving multiple tendons of 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 specific case, the focus is on the hamstring muscles, which are comprised of three distinct muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles play a crucial role in knee extension and thigh flexion. Additionally, the adductor muscles, including the gracilis, are involved in thigh flexion and adduction. The procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy, where it aims to improve gait and alleviate flexion deformities of the knee. The tenotomy is performed percutaneously, meaning it is done through small incisions, minimizing tissue damage and promoting quicker recovery. This code is specifically used when multiple tendons are divided in one leg, distinguishing it from related procedures that may involve fewer tendons.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 27307 is performed for specific conditions and symptoms that necessitate the division of multiple tendons in the adductor or hamstring regions. The primary indications include:

  • Flexion Deformities of the Knee - This condition involves an abnormal bending of the knee, which can limit mobility and function.
  • Cerebral Palsy - Patients with this neurological disorder may experience tightness in the hamstring and adductor muscles, leading to gait abnormalities that can be improved through tenotomy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 27307 involves several key steps that ensure the effective division of multiple tendons. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, typically lying on their back, to allow access to the knee area. The skin over the surgical site is cleaned and sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Identification of Tendons - The surgeon identifies the specific tendons to be divided, which may include multiple hamstring tendons and the gracilis muscle. This identification is crucial for ensuring that the correct tendons are targeted during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Percutaneous Access - A small stab incision is made in the popliteal crease, which is the area behind the knee. This incision is minimal and designed to access the tendon insertion site without significant tissue disruption.
  • Step 4: Division of Tendons - Through the stab incision, the surgeon carefully divides the identified tendons. This step is performed with precision to ensure that the tendons are cut effectively while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 5: Post-Procedure Casting - After the tendons have been divided, a long leg or cylinder cast is applied to the leg with the knee extended. This casting is essential for immobilization and proper healing of the surgical site.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. The application of a long leg or cylinder cast helps to stabilize the knee and allows for proper healing of the divided tendons. Patients may experience some discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief. Rehabilitation and physical therapy may be recommended to aid in recovery and to improve mobility and function post-surgery. The duration of the cast and the overall recovery time will depend on the individual patient's condition and response to the procedure.

Short Descr INCISION OF THIGH TENDONS
Medium Descr TENOTOMY PRQ ADDUCTOR/HAMSTRING MULTIPLE TENDON
Long Descr Tenotomy, percutaneous, adductor or hamstring; multiple tendons
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) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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
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)
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).
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.
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
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