© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27333 involves an arthrotomy, which is a surgical incision into the knee joint, combined with the excision of semilunar cartilage, commonly known as a meniscectomy. This specific procedure is indicated for patients with a torn meniscus that is deemed irreparable. The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that acts as a cushion between the femur and tibia in the knee joint, and tears in this cartilage can lead to pain, swelling, and impaired joint function. In cases where the tear extends into a non-vascular region, where healing is unlikely even with repair, excision becomes necessary. The surgical approach begins with a skin incision over the knee joint, followed by careful dissection of surrounding tissues to expose the joint capsule. Once the capsule is opened, the knee joint is thoroughly flushed with saline solution to clear any debris, allowing for a clear view of the meniscal tear. The surgeon then examines the joint, locates the tear, and assesses its extent using a small hook. The damaged portion of the meniscus is resected using various surgical instruments, ensuring that only the affected tissue is removed. After addressing any tears in both the medial and lateral compartments of the meniscus, the remaining meniscal edges are smoothed, and the joint is flushed again before closure. This procedure is critical for restoring knee function and alleviating pain associated with meniscal injuries.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27333 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure begins with a surgical incision made over the knee joint to access the underlying structures. This incision allows the surgeon to dissect through the surrounding tissues carefully, exposing the joint capsule. Once the joint capsule is visible, it is opened to gain access to the knee joint itself. The next step involves flushing the knee joint with saline solution, which serves to remove any debris and provides a clearer view of the meniscus. The surgeon then examines the joint thoroughly to locate the meniscal tear, using a small hook to probe the tear and assess its extent. After determining the size and location of the tear, the surgeon proceeds to resect the torn fragment of the meniscus. This is accomplished using various instruments such as forceps, a motorized shaver, scissors, or knives, ensuring that only the damaged portion of the meniscus is removed. Following the resection, the edges of the remaining meniscus are smoothed using a motorized shaver to promote optimal healing. The knee is flushed again with saline solution to clear any remaining debris, and the joint is reinspected for any additional issues. If there are meniscal tears present in both the medial and lateral compartments, the surgeon addresses the second compartment in the same manner, removing the meniscus as necessary. Upon completion of the procedure, the joint capsule is closed, followed by the closure of the soft tissue and skin in layers. Finally, a compressive dressing is applied to support the knee during the initial recovery phase.
After the completion of the meniscectomy procedure, patients typically require a period of recovery that may involve rest, ice application, and elevation of the knee to reduce swelling. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and range of motion in the knee joint. Patients are advised to follow specific post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon, which may include guidelines on weight-bearing activities and the use of assistive devices. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and address any complications that may arise. The overall recovery time can vary based on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient's health status.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF KNEE CARTILAGE | Medium Descr | ARTHRT W/EXC SEMILUNAR CRTLG KNEE MEDIAL&LAT | Long Descr | Arthrotomy, with excision of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) knee; medial AND lateral | 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) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 151 - Excision of semilunar cartilage of knee |
| 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). | 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. | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 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) | 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 |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.