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The procedure described by CPT® Code 27407 pertains to the primary repair of torn ligaments and/or the joint capsule in the knee, specifically focusing on the cruciate ligaments, which include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The knee joint is stabilized by four major ligaments: the ACL and PCL, which are located centrally within the knee, and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which are positioned on the inner and outer aspects of the knee, respectively. The ACL and PCL are crucial for providing rotational stability to the knee, and injuries to these ligaments can lead to significant instability, causing the knee to buckle during movement. In cases where the ACL or PCL is torn, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore stability and function to the knee. The procedure involves making a skin incision over the affected area, followed by dissection of the soft tissues to expose the damaged ligament. The repair process includes suturing the torn ligament and, if necessary, using suture anchors to reinforce the repair. Additionally, any associated tears in the joint capsule are also addressed during the procedure. It is important to note that this code is specifically designated for the primary repair of the ACL or PCL and/or the joint capsule, distinguishing it from other codes that pertain to repairs of the MCL or LCL, or for multi-ligament injuries.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 27407 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for repairing a torn ligament and/or capsule in the knee, specifically the cruciate ligaments, involves several key steps:
After the procedure, patients typically undergo a recovery period that may include immobilization of the knee to allow for healing. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and range of motion. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the injury and the specific ligaments involved, but patients are generally advised to follow their surgeon's post-operative care instructions closely to ensure optimal healing and rehabilitation.
| Short Descr | REPAIR OF KNEE LIGAMENT | Medium Descr | REPAIR PRIMARY TORN LIGM&/CAPSULE KNEE CRUCIAT | Long Descr | Repair, primary, torn ligament and/or capsule, knee; cruciate | 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) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 151 - Excision of semilunar cartilage of knee |
| 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). | 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 | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | 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) | XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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