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The CPT® Code 27396 refers to a surgical procedure involving the transplant or transfer of muscle within the thigh, specifically focusing on the redirection or rerouting of muscle action. This procedure is performed on a single tendon, which can be either an extensor or a flexor. The primary goal of this intervention is to address muscular imbalances in the thigh that can lead to knee dysfunction and difficulties in walking. By transferring or transplanting a tendon, the surgeon aims to minimize the dysfunction caused by these imbalances, thereby improving the patient's mobility and overall function. For instance, a common example of this procedure involves the rectus femoris muscle, one of the four quadriceps muscles that plays a crucial role in knee extension. In cases where knee function is compromised, the rectus femoris may be surgically repositioned from its original attachment on the pelvis to a new location on the femur. This adjustment allows the muscle to focus its action solely on the knee, effectively sacrificing its role in hip movement. Alternatively, the procedure may involve altering the muscle's function entirely, such as reattaching the rectus femoris to act as a knee flexor instead of an extensor. This flexibility in surgical approach allows for tailored solutions to specific muscular issues, ultimately enhancing the patient's quality of life and functional capabilities.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27396 is indicated for various conditions that result in muscular imbalance within the thigh, leading to knee problems and difficulties in ambulation. The following are specific indications for this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 27396 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful transplant or transfer of a single tendon within the thigh. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the procedure, patients typically undergo a recovery period that may involve monitoring for any complications. Post-operative care includes pain management, wound care, and possibly physical therapy to aid in rehabilitation. Patients are often advised on specific exercises to strengthen the newly positioned muscle and improve functionality. The expected recovery time may vary based on individual circumstances, but close follow-up with the healthcare provider is essential to ensure proper healing and to assess the effectiveness of the muscle transfer.
| Short Descr | TRANSPLANT OF THIGH TENDON | Medium Descr | TRANSPLANT/TRANSFER THIGH XTNSR TO FLXR 1 TENDON | Long Descr | Transplant or transfer (with muscle redirection or rerouting), thigh (eg, extensor to flexor); single tendon | 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). | 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.) | 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) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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