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Official Description

Closed treatment of patellar dislocation; requiring anesthesia

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Closed treatment of patellar dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 27562, involves the non-surgical realignment of the patella, which is the small bone located in front of the knee joint. A patellar dislocation occurs when the patella slips out of its normal position, often due to trauma or an underlying biomechanical issue, such as a high riding patella, known as patella alta. This condition can lead to significant pain and instability in the knee. In cases where the dislocation does not resolve on its own, a physician will perform a manual manipulation to reposition the patella back into its correct anatomical alignment. The procedure requires anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort during the manipulation. Following the successful reduction of the dislocation, it is common practice to obtain radiographs to confirm the proper alignment of the patella. Post-procedure, the knee may be protected and immobilized using a compression wrap, splint, or cast, and patients are typically advised to ice and elevate the knee to reduce swelling and promote healing. It is important to note that CPT® Code 27560 is used when the dislocation is treated without the need for anesthesia, while CPT® Code 27562 is specifically designated for cases requiring anesthesia.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of patellar dislocation (CPT® Code 27562) is indicated for patients experiencing an acute patellar dislocation that does not reduce spontaneously. This condition may arise from various factors, including:

  • Trauma: Direct injury to the knee, such as a fall or collision, can lead to dislocation.
  • Biomechanical Imbalance: Conditions like patella alta, where the patella is positioned higher than normal, can predispose individuals to dislocations.

2. Procedure

The procedure for closed treatment of patellar dislocation involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration - The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the manipulation of the patella. This is a critical step, as it allows for a more effective and less traumatic reduction process.
  • Step 2: Manual Manipulation - Once the patient is adequately anesthetized, the physician performs a manual manipulation of the patella. This involves carefully applying pressure to guide the dislocated patella back into its correct anatomical position within the knee joint. The physician must be skilled in this technique to avoid further injury to the surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Radiographic Confirmation - After the patella has been successfully repositioned, a second set of radiographs may be obtained to confirm that the patella is properly aligned. This step is essential to ensure that the reduction was successful and to rule out any associated fractures or complications.
  • Step 4: Post-Reduction Care - Following the reduction and confirmation via radiographs, the knee is typically protected and immobilized. This may involve the application of a compression wrap, splint, or cast to stabilize the knee and prevent further dislocation. The physician will also provide instructions for post-procedure care, including recommendations for icing and elevating the knee to manage swelling.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of patellar dislocation, patients are advised to follow specific post-procedure care instructions to facilitate recovery. This includes keeping the knee elevated and applying ice to reduce swelling. The immobilization device, whether a compression wrap, splint, or cast, should remain in place as directed by the physician to ensure proper healing. Patients may also receive guidance on activity restrictions and rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and mobility to the knee joint as healing progresses. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the recovery process and assess the need for further intervention if necessary.

Short Descr TREAT KNEECAP DISLOCATION
Medium Descr CLOSED TX PATELLAR DISLOCATION W/ANESTHESIA
Long Descr Closed treatment of patellar dislocation; requiring anesthesia
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) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
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.
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.
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
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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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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