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Official Description

Open treatment of knee dislocation, includes internal fixation, when performed; with primary ligamentous repair, with augmentation/reconstruction

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27558 refers to the open treatment of a knee dislocation, which includes internal fixation when performed, along with primary ligamentous repair that may involve augmentation or reconstruction. Knee dislocations can occur in various forms, including anterior, posterior, lateral, medial, and rotary dislocations, each affecting different ligaments within the knee joint. The knee 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. The treatment approach for a knee dislocation is contingent upon the specific ligaments that are injured and the severity of the dislocation. The procedure typically begins with an incision over the knee, followed by an incision of the joint capsule to expose the injury site. This area is then cleared of any debris, such as loose osteochondral fragments, to facilitate the reduction of the dislocation, which is subsequently verified through radiographic imaging. In cases where ligaments are torn, they are repaired using sutures or staples. If there are avulsed ligaments accompanied by significant bone fragments, internal fixation methods, such as screws, may be employed to secure the ligaments and restore knee stability. The procedure may also involve augmentation, where a tendon graft is used to reinforce the repaired ligament, or reconstruction, which is necessary when a ligament is too severely damaged to be repaired and must be replaced with a new graft. This comprehensive approach ensures that the knee joint is stabilized and functional post-treatment.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27558 is indicated for the treatment of knee dislocations, which may involve various types of dislocations and associated ligament injuries. The specific indications for this procedure include:

  • Knee Dislocation Types The procedure is indicated for anterior, posterior, lateral, medial, and rotary knee dislocations.
  • Ligament Injuries It is performed when there are injuries to the knee ligaments, specifically the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
  • Severity of Injury The procedure is indicated when the severity of the injury necessitates surgical intervention, particularly when ligaments are torn or avulsed.

2. Procedure

The open treatment of knee dislocation as described in CPT® Code 27558 involves several critical procedural steps:

  • Incision and Exposure An incision is made over the knee to access the joint. The joint capsule is then incised to expose the injury site, allowing for a clear view of the damaged ligaments and surrounding structures.
  • Debris Clearance The area of injury is meticulously cleared of any debris, including loose osteochondral fragments, which could impede the healing process or affect the stability of the knee joint.
  • Reduction of Dislocation The knee dislocation is reduced, meaning the dislocated bones are repositioned into their normal alignment. This step is crucial for restoring function and stability to the knee.
  • Radiographic Verification After reduction, the alignment of the knee is checked radiographically to ensure that the bones are properly positioned and that there are no additional injuries that require attention.
  • Ligament Repair Torn ligaments are repaired using sutures or staples. If ligaments are avulsed with significant bone fragments, internal fixation methods, such as screws, may be utilized to secure the ligaments and restore stability.
  • Augmentation or Reconstruction If augmentation is necessary, the tendon is first repaired and then reinforced with a tendon graft. For instance, to augment the ACL, tunnels are drilled through the tibia and femur, and a tendon graft is harvested and secured in these tunnels. In cases where reconstruction is required, the damaged ligament is excised, and a new ligament is constructed using a tendon autograft or allograft, following similar tunnel preparation and graft fixation procedures.
  • Final Checks The augmentation or reconstruction is checked radiographically to confirm proper placement and stability. Additionally, the stability of the ligaments is assessed through gentle range of motion testing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the open treatment of knee dislocation includes monitoring for complications, managing pain, and initiating rehabilitation. Patients are typically advised to follow a structured rehabilitation program to restore range of motion, strength, and function to the knee. The recovery process may involve physical therapy, and the timeline for returning to normal activities will depend on the extent of the injury and the specific surgical interventions performed. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and ensure that the knee is stable and functioning properly.

Short Descr TREAT KNEE DISLOCATION
Medium Descr OPEN TX KNEE DISLOCATION W/REPAIR/RECONSTRUCTION
Long Descr Open treatment of knee dislocation, includes internal fixation, when performed; with primary ligamentous repair, with augmentation/reconstruction
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) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
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)
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.)
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
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)
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1993-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1993.
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