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The closed treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of the knee, as described by CPT® Code 27538, involves the management of specific fractures located in the knee region. The intercondylar spines, also known as intercondylar eminences or tibial spines, are two prominent structures situated centrally on the proximal surface of the tibia, positioned between the lateral and medial condyles. These spines play a crucial role in the stability and function of the knee joint. Additionally, the tibial tuberosity is a notable projection on the anterior aspect of the proximal tibia, serving as the attachment point for the patellar ligament, which is essential for knee extension. In the context of this procedure, the treatment may involve the assessment of the fracture through separately reportable radiographs, which are essential for confirming the presence and extent of the fracture. A thorough neurovascular examination is conducted to ensure that the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury are intact, which is critical for preventing complications. If necessary, the fracture fragments are manually reduced, or manipulated, to restore proper anatomic alignment. Following this manipulation, additional radiographs are obtained to verify that the anatomic reduction has been successfully achieved. To stabilize the knee and facilitate healing, the joint is immobilized using a cast or brace, ensuring that the affected area is adequately supported during the recovery process.
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The closed treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of the knee is indicated for patients presenting with specific symptoms or conditions related to these types of fractures. The following indications are explicitly recognized for this procedure:
The procedure for the closed treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of the knee involves several critical steps to ensure proper management of the injury. Each step is essential for achieving optimal outcomes for the patient.
After the closed treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of the knee, specific post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to monitor the healing process. The immobilization device, whether a cast or brace, should remain in place for the duration recommended by the physician to ensure stability and support. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief measures. Rehabilitation exercises may be introduced gradually to restore range of motion and strength once the initial healing phase has progressed. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the healing of the fracture and to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
| Short Descr | TREAT KNEE FRACTURE(S) | Medium Descr | CLTX INTERCONDYLAR SPI&/TUBRST FX KNE W/WO MAN | Long Descr | Closed treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of knee, with or without manipulation | 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) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | 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) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur) |
| 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). | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | 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.) | 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 | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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) | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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