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Official Description

Open treatment of patellar dislocation, with or without partial or total patellectomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27566 refers to the open treatment of a patellar dislocation, which can occur due to trauma or a biomechanical imbalance in the knee joint, such as a condition known as patella alta, where the patella (kneecap) is positioned higher than normal. This procedure may involve a partial or total patellectomy, which is the surgical removal of part or all of the patella. The open reduction of an acute patellar dislocation is typically performed through an anterior approach, allowing the surgeon to directly access the patella and surrounding structures. During the procedure, the patella is carefully exposed and inspected, and any loose bodies that may hinder the reduction process are removed. Once the patella is manipulated back into its proper position, a second set of radiographs may be taken to confirm the successful reduction. In cases where the patella is severely damaged or requires excision, the muscles and tendons attached to it are divided, ensuring that the quadriceps tendon above and the patellar tendon below are preserved. After the patella is removed, the quadriceps and patellar tendons are sutured back together, and the soft tissues and skin are closed in layers. Post-surgery, the knee may be protected and immobilized using a compression wrap, splint, or cast to facilitate healing and recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of patellar dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 27566, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Patellar Dislocation: This procedure is performed when there is a dislocation of the patella, which may occur due to trauma or a biomechanical imbalance in the knee joint.
  • Patella Alta: A high riding patella, known as patella alta, can contribute to dislocation and may necessitate surgical intervention.
  • Presence of Loose Bodies: If loose bodies are present in the knee joint that prevent proper reduction of the dislocated patella, surgical treatment is indicated to remove these obstructions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the open treatment of patellar dislocation involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Anterior Approach The surgeon begins by making an incision on the anterior aspect of the knee to gain access to the patella and surrounding structures. This approach allows for direct visualization and manipulation of the patella.
  • Step 2: Exposure and Inspection Once the incision is made, the patella is carefully exposed. The surgeon inspects the patella and the surrounding soft tissues to assess any damage or the presence of loose bodies that may impede the reduction process.
  • Step 3: Removal of Loose Bodies If any loose bodies are identified during the inspection, they are removed to facilitate the reduction of the patella back into its proper position.
  • Step 4: Reduction of the Patella The patella is then manipulated back into its anatomical position. This step is crucial for restoring normal knee function and stability.
  • Step 5: Post-Reduction Radiographs After the patella has been successfully reduced, a second set of radiographs may be obtained to confirm that the patella is correctly positioned and to evaluate the overall condition of the knee joint.
  • Step 6: Patellectomy (if necessary) In cases where the patella is severely damaged, a partial or total patellectomy may be performed. The surgeon divides the muscles and tendons attached to the patella, taking care to preserve the quadriceps tendon above and the patellar tendon below, before excising the patella.
  • Step 7: Suturing of Tendons After the patella is removed, the quadriceps and patellar tendons are sutured together to restore continuity and function to the knee.
  • Step 8: Closure of Soft Tissues and Skin The soft tissues and skin are then closed in layers to promote healing and minimize scarring.
  • Step 9: Post-Operative Protection Finally, the knee may be protected and immobilized using a compression wrap, splint, or cast to support the healing process and prevent further injury.

3. Post-Procedure

After the open treatment of patellar dislocation, patients can expect a period of recovery that may involve immobilization of the knee to ensure proper healing. The use of a compression wrap, splint, or cast is common to protect the knee joint. Patients will typically be monitored for any signs of complications, and rehabilitation may be initiated to restore range of motion and strength. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to determine when it is safe to resume normal activities.

Short Descr TREAT KNEECAP DISLOCATION
Medium Descr OPTX PATELLAR DISLC W/WO PRTL/TOT PATELLECTOMY
Long Descr Open treatment of patellar dislocation, with or without partial or total patellectomy
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
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) 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.)
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
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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