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Arthroplasty of the ankle, as described by CPT® Code 27700, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing degenerative changes in the ankle joint that may arise from various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and traumatic arthropathy. This procedure is particularly relevant for patients experiencing significant pain and functional limitations due to these degenerative processes. The surgical approach involves making an incision over the anterior aspect of the ankle joint, allowing the surgeon to access the joint structures directly. During the procedure, soft tissues surrounding the joint are carefully dissected to expose the joint capsule, which is then incised to facilitate inspection of the joint's internal structures. The surgeon evaluates the joint for loose bodies, bone spurs, and inflamed tissue, which are common complications associated with degenerative joint disease. In the context of CPT® Code 27700, the arthroplasty is performed without the use of an implant, distinguishing it from other types of ankle arthroplasty procedures that may involve the placement of prosthetic components. One specific technique utilized in this procedure is distraction ankle arthroplasty, where an external distraction device is employed to gently separate the joint structures, typically by about 5 mm. This minimal distraction allows the cartilage to rest, heal, and regenerate, ultimately improving joint function and reducing pain. Once the cartilage has sufficiently healed, the external distraction device is removed, marking the conclusion of this specific arthroplasty approach.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure of ankle arthroplasty, as defined by CPT® Code 27700, is indicated for patients suffering from degenerative changes in the ankle joint due to various underlying conditions. The specific indications for this procedure include:
The procedure for ankle arthroplasty under CPT® Code 27700 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the affected joint. The steps are as follows:
Post-procedure care following ankle arthroplasty under CPT® Code 27700 typically involves monitoring the patient's recovery and managing any discomfort. Patients may be advised to engage in physical therapy to enhance mobility and strengthen the ankle joint. The recovery process may vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's healing response. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing of the joint and to ensure that any complications are promptly addressed. Patients should be informed about signs of infection or other complications that may require immediate medical attention.
| Short Descr | REVISION OF ANKLE JOINT | Medium Descr | ARTHROPLASTY ANKLE | Long Descr | Arthroplasty, ankle; | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 154 - Arthroplasty other than hip or knee |
| 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). | 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. | 62 | Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate. | 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). | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | T6 | Right foot, second digit | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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