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The CPT® Code 27557 refers to the open treatment of a knee dislocation, which includes internal fixation when performed, along with primary ligamentous repair. A knee dislocation is a serious injury that can occur in various forms, including anterior, posterior, lateral, medial, and rotary dislocations. The treatment approach is determined by the specific ligaments that are injured and the overall severity of the dislocation. The knee joint is stabilized by four primary ligaments: the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which are located on the inner and outer aspects of the knee, respectively, and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which are situated within the joint capsule. During the procedure, a surgical incision is made over the knee, allowing access to the joint capsule. The surgeon then incises the capsule to expose the injury site, which is meticulously cleared of any debris, such as loose osteochondral fragments. The dislocated knee is then reduced, and the position is confirmed through radiographic imaging. If ligaments are torn, they are repaired using sutures or staples. In cases where ligaments are avulsed along with significant bone fragments, internal fixation methods, such as screws, may be employed to secure the ligaments and restore stability to the knee joint. It is important to note that if the ligament repair necessitates augmentation or reconstruction, the CPT® Code 27558 should be utilized. Augmentation involves repairing the ligament with sutures or staples and then reinforcing it with a tendon graft, which is secured in drilled tunnels within the tibia and femur. Reconstruction is indicated when the ligament is irreparably damaged, requiring the excision of the existing ligament and the placement of a new graft. Throughout the procedure, the stability of the knee is continuously assessed, ensuring proper alignment and function post-surgery.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The open treatment of knee dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 27557, is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for the open treatment of knee dislocation involves several critical steps:
Post-procedure care following the open treatment of knee dislocation includes monitoring for complications, managing pain, and ensuring proper healing. Patients are typically advised on rehabilitation protocols to restore range of motion and strength in the knee. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the stability of the knee and the success of the ligament repairs. Radiographic evaluations may be performed to confirm the integrity of the repair and the alignment of the joint. Patients should be educated on signs of complications, such as increased swelling, pain, or instability, and instructed to report these to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | TREAT KNEE DISLOCATION | Medium Descr | OPEN TX KNEE DISLOCATION W/LIGAMENTOUS REPAIR | Long Descr | Open treatment of knee dislocation, includes internal fixation, when performed; with primary ligamentous repair | 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 | 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur) |
| 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.) | 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 | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | 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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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2008-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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