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The CPT® Code 27397 refers to a surgical procedure involving the transplant or transfer of multiple muscles or tendons within the thigh, specifically with the intention of redirecting or rerouting muscle action. This procedure is particularly relevant in cases where there is a muscular imbalance in the thigh that leads to knee dysfunction and difficulties in walking. By transferring or rerouting the muscle action, the procedure aims to restore functional movement and alleviate issues associated with spasticity or weakness. The muscles involved in this procedure can include both extensor and flexor tendons, which play crucial roles in the movement of the knee and hip. For instance, a common example is the rectus femoris, a muscle that serves dual functions as both a knee extensor and a hip flexor. In cases where knee function is compromised, the rectus femoris may be surgically repositioned to enhance knee mobility while sacrificing its hip function. This procedure can also involve the transfer of additional muscles, such as hamstrings, to optimize the overall function of the thigh. The complexity of this procedure underscores the importance of careful surgical planning and execution to achieve the desired outcomes in muscle function and patient mobility.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27397 is indicated for patients experiencing muscular imbalance in the thigh, which can lead to knee problems and difficulty walking. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for CPT® Code 27397 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful transplant or transfer of multiple tendons or muscles 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 physical therapy to facilitate rehabilitation. Patients are often advised to follow specific guidelines regarding mobility and activity levels to ensure proper healing and to maximize the effectiveness of the muscle transfers. The expected recovery time may vary based on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient's condition, but rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength in the thigh muscles.
| Short Descr | TRANSPLANTS OF THIGH TENDONS | Medium Descr | TRANSPLANT/TRANSFER THIGH XTNSR TO FLXR MULT TDN | Long Descr | Transplant or transfer (with muscle redirection or rerouting), thigh (eg, extensor to flexor); 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) | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | 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 |
| 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. | 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. | 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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