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The procedure described by CPT® Code 27468 involves osteoplasty of the femur, specifically a combined approach that includes both lengthening and shortening of the bone through a femoral segment transfer. Osteoplasty refers to a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or reconstructing bone, in this case, the femur, which is the long bone in the thigh. The goal of this procedure is to achieve a desired alteration in the length of the femur, which may be necessary due to various orthopedic conditions or deformities. Prior to the surgical intervention, the physician utilizes radiographic studies to meticulously plan the locations of the bone cuts required to achieve the intended outcomes. During the operation, the femur is surgically exposed, allowing the surgeon to perform the necessary modifications. In the shortening phase, a segment of the femur is excised, and the remaining ends of the bone are brought together and stabilized using internal fixation methods, such as pins or plates. Conversely, in the lengthening phase, the bone is cut, and distraction techniques are employed to gradually lengthen the femur. An autograft, typically harvested from the iliac crest, may be utilized to fill any defects created during the procedure. The excised segment from the shortening phase is then transferred to the lengthening site, effectively using the bone segment to achieve the desired lengthening of the femur. This combined approach allows for a comprehensive correction of femoral length discrepancies, enhancing the overall functionality and alignment of the limb.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27468 is indicated for patients who require both lengthening and shortening of the femur due to various orthopedic conditions. These may include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 27468 involves several critical steps to achieve the desired outcomes of femoral lengthening and shortening:
After the completion of the osteoplasty procedure, patients typically require a period of recovery and rehabilitation. Post-operative care may include monitoring for complications, managing pain, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may be advised to limit weight-bearing activities on the affected limb initially, gradually increasing activity as healing progresses. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and the effectiveness of the lengthening and shortening achieved during the procedure. Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore function and strength to the affected leg.
| Short Descr | SHORTEN/LENGTHEN THIGHS | Medium Descr | OSTPL FEMUR CMBN LNGTH&SHRT W/FEMORAL SGM TRNSFR | Long Descr | Osteoplasty, femur; combined, lengthening and shortening with femoral segment transfer | 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 | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone |
| 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 | 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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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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