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Official Description

Transfer, tendon or muscle, hamstrings to femur (eg, Egger's type procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27400 involves the transfer of the hamstring tendons or muscles to the femur, specifically utilizing an Egger's type procedure. This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for patients suffering from conditions such as spastic cerebral palsy, meningomyelocele, or other neurological disorders that lead to muscle imbalances, particularly resulting in a flexed-knee gait. The hamstring group is composed of three distinct muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles play a crucial role in extending the knee and flexing the thigh. During the procedure, a horizontal incision is made at the popliteal crease to expose the insertion points of the hamstring tendons on the proximal tibia. Following this exposure, the hamstring tendons are carefully divided and subsequently transferred to the proximal aspect of the femoral condyles, where they are anchored securely in place. This transfer aims to restore proper muscle function and improve gait mechanics in affected individuals.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 27400 is performed for specific conditions that result in muscle imbalances affecting gait. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Spastic Cerebral Palsy A neurological disorder characterized by muscle stiffness and spasms, leading to difficulties in movement and coordination.
  • Meningomyelocele A type of spina bifida where the spinal cord and surrounding nerves protrude through an opening in the spine, often resulting in motor and sensory deficits.
  • Other Neurological Disorders Conditions that create muscle imbalances, which may lead to a flexed-knee gait, necessitating surgical intervention to improve mobility.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 27400 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful transfer of the hamstring tendons to the femur. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Incision A horizontal incision is made at the popliteal crease to access the hamstring tendons. This incision allows the surgeon to visualize the tendons and surrounding structures effectively.
  • Step 2: Exposure of Tendons The hamstring tendons, which include the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, are carefully exposed. This step is crucial for ensuring that the tendons can be manipulated without damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Division of Tendons Once adequately exposed, the hamstring tendons are divided. This division is necessary to facilitate their transfer to the femur.
  • Step 4: Transfer to Femur The divided hamstring tendons are then transferred to the proximal aspect of the femoral condyles. This step involves repositioning the tendons to a new insertion point to correct the muscle imbalance.
  • Step 5: Anchoring Finally, the transferred tendons are anchored securely into position on the femur. This anchoring is essential to ensure that the tendons can function effectively in their new location, contributing to improved knee extension and gait mechanics.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the tendon transfer involves monitoring the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications. Patients may require a period of immobilization to allow for proper healing of the transferred tendons. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are typically initiated to restore strength and function, focusing on regaining mobility and improving gait patterns. The expected recovery time may vary based on individual patient factors and the extent of the procedure performed.

Short Descr REVISE THIGH MUSCLES/TENDONS
Medium Descr TRANSFER TENDON/MUSCLE HAMSTRINGS FEMUR
Long Descr Transfer, tendon or muscle, hamstrings to femur (eg, Egger's type 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) 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 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
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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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