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Official Description

Reconstruction of dislocating patella; with extensor realignment and/or muscle advancement or release (eg, Campbell, Goldwaite type procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27422 involves the reconstruction of a dislocating patella, which is a condition where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position, often leading to pain and instability in the knee joint. This surgical intervention is specifically aimed at correcting the alignment of the patella through extensor realignment and/or muscle advancement or release. The procedure may also be known by other names, such as the Campbell or Roux-Goldwaite procedure, which are specific techniques used to address this issue. During the surgery, the patellar tendon is manipulated to achieve a more medial position of the patella, thereby preventing it from shifting laterally. This is accomplished by detaching and repositioning the lateral half of the patellar tendon. Additionally, if muscle advancement is necessary, the vastus medialis muscle, part of the quadriceps group, is dissected and advanced to improve the stability and tracking of the patella. The procedure may also involve an osteotomy, which is the surgical cutting of bone, to reposition the tibial tubercle, ensuring that the patella tracks properly during movement. Overall, this reconstruction aims to restore normal function and alleviate symptoms associated with a dislocating patella.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The reconstruction of a dislocating patella, as described by CPT® Code 27422, is indicated for patients experiencing recurrent patellar dislocations, which can lead to significant knee instability and pain. The procedure is typically considered when conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or bracing, have failed to provide adequate relief. Specific indications for this surgical intervention may include:

  • Recurrent Patellar Dislocations Patients who have experienced multiple episodes of the patella dislocating from its normal position.
  • Knee Instability Individuals who report a feeling of instability in the knee joint, particularly during activities that involve pivoting or jumping.
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Patients suffering from chronic pain in the front of the knee, which may be exacerbated by dislocation events.
  • Failure of Conservative Treatment Cases where non-surgical interventions, such as physical therapy, bracing, or activity modification, have not resulted in improvement.

2. Procedure

The procedure for reconstructing a dislocating patella involves several critical steps to ensure proper alignment and function of the knee. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Extensor Realignment The first step involves the vertical splitting of the patellar tendon. The lateral half of the tendon is detached from the tibial tuberosity, which is the bony prominence on the tibia where the patellar tendon attaches. This lateral half is then pulled under the medial half of the tendon and reattached to the tibial tuberosity. This repositioning of the tendon helps to medially align the patella, reducing the risk of lateral dislocation.
  • Step 2: Muscle Advancement If muscle advancement is deemed necessary, the vastus medialis muscle, part of the quadriceps group, is carefully dissected off the patella. The quadriceps tendon is then split to allow for the advancement of the muscle onto the patella. Once the appropriate tension is achieved, the muscle is secured in place using suture anchors or periosteal stitches, which help to maintain the new position of the muscle and improve patellar stability.
  • Step 3: Osteotomy An osteotomy is performed to reposition the tibial tubercle, which is crucial for ensuring proper tracking of the patella during knee movement. The tibial tubercle is cut and repositioned to allow for optimal alignment of the patella with the femur.
  • Step 4: Evaluation of Patellar Tracking After the repositioning of the tibial tubercle, the surgeon evaluates the patellar tracking to ensure that the patella moves correctly within the femoral groove. This assessment is critical to confirm that the surgical adjustments have achieved the desired outcome.
  • Step 5: Securing the Tibial Tubercle Once optimal alignment is confirmed, the tibial tubercle is secured in its new position using screws, which provide stability and support during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the reconstruction of a dislocating patella, patients typically require a period of rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the knee. Post-procedure care may include the use of a brace to stabilize the knee during the initial recovery phase. Patients are often advised to engage in physical therapy to facilitate healing and improve range of motion. The expected recovery time can vary, but patients may need several weeks to months before returning to full activity, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing rates. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and ensure that the patella is tracking properly. Pain management strategies may also be implemented to address any discomfort during recovery.

Short Descr REVISION OF UNSTABLE KNEECAP
Medium Descr RCNSTJ DISLC PATELLA W/XTNSR RELIGNMT&/MUSC RL
Long Descr Reconstruction of dislocating patella; with extensor realignment and/or muscle advancement or release (eg, Campbell, Goldwaite 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 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 152 - Arthroplasty knee
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.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
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2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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