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Official Description

Arthroplasty, ankle; revision, total ankle

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A total ankle revision arthroplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting mechanical complications or failures associated with an existing total ankle implant. This procedure may also be indicated in cases of other complications, such as infections that compromise the integrity of the implant. The revision can involve the replacement of one or more components of the ankle prosthesis, depending on the extent of the issues present. The surgery begins with a long incision made over the ankle, allowing the surgeon to access the joint. During the procedure, careful dissection of the soft tissues is performed to protect vital structures, including nerves and blood vessels. The existing implant components are then removed, and the surgeon assesses the extent of any bone loss that may have occurred. If significant bone loss is identified, a bone allograft may be necessary, which is sourced from a bone bank. The graft is shaped to fit the defect, or alternatively, cancellous bone may be morselized and packed into the area of loss. The procedure also involves evaluating the tibiofibular joint, with additional bone grafting and fusion performed as required. After the reconstruction of the bone is completed, a new prosthesis is implanted. If there are contracted ankle ligaments, they are released to restore proper function. The surgeon then places trial components to assess the range of motion before securing the final implant components using techniques such as press-fit, bone screws, or bone cement. Finally, the soft tissues and skin are closed in layers, often with the placement of a suction drain to manage any postoperative fluid accumulation.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The total ankle revision arthroplasty is indicated for several specific conditions that may arise following an initial total ankle replacement. These include:

  • Mechanical Complications The procedure is performed when there are mechanical failures of the implant, which may include issues such as loosening, dislocation, or wear of the prosthetic components.
  • Infection Revision may be necessary in cases where infection has developed around the implant, compromising its function and necessitating removal and replacement.
  • Failure of the Implant If the original total ankle implant fails to provide the expected outcomes, a revision may be warranted to restore function and alleviate pain.

2. Procedure

The procedure for total ankle revision arthroplasty involves several critical steps, each aimed at ensuring the successful removal of the existing implant and the implantation of a new prosthesis. The steps include:

  • Step 1: Incision and Access A long incision is made over the ankle to provide adequate access to the joint. This incision allows the surgeon to visualize and reach the implant components effectively.
  • Step 2: Soft Tissue Dissection The surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues surrounding the ankle, taking special care to protect the nerves and blood vessels that are critical for limb function.
  • Step 3: Removal of Implant Components Once access is achieved, the existing implant components are removed. This step is crucial for evaluating the condition of the surrounding bone and soft tissue.
  • Step 4: Evaluation of Bone Loss The surgeon assesses the amount of bone loss that has occurred due to the previous implant's failure. This evaluation is essential for determining the need for bone grafting.
  • Step 5: Bone Grafting If significant bone loss is identified, a bone allograft is obtained from a bone bank. The graft is shaped to fit the defect, or cancellous bone may be morselized and packed into the defect to restore bone integrity.
  • Step 6: Tibiofibular Joint Evaluation The tibiofibular joint is evaluated for any additional issues, and bone grafting and fusion are performed as necessary to ensure stability.
  • Step 7: Implantation of New Prosthesis After the bone reconstruction is completed, a new prosthesis is implanted to restore function to the ankle joint.
  • Step 8: Ligament Release If the ankle ligaments are found to be contracted, they are released to allow for improved range of motion and function.
  • Step 9: Trial Components and Evaluation Trial components are placed to assess the range of motion and ensure proper alignment before finalizing the implant.
  • Step 10: Securing the Implant The final implant components are secured using a press-fit technique, bone screws, or bone cement, depending on the specific requirements of the case.
  • Step 11: Closure The soft tissues and skin are closed in layers, and a suction drain may be placed to manage any postoperative fluid accumulation.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a total ankle revision arthroplasty is critical for ensuring proper recovery and minimizing complications. Patients can expect to undergo a rehabilitation program that may include physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion. Monitoring for signs of infection, proper wound care, and adherence to follow-up appointments are essential components of the recovery process. The expected recovery time may vary based on individual circumstances, but patients should be prepared for a gradual return to normal activities as healing progresses.

Short Descr RECONSTRUCTION ANKLE JOINT
Medium Descr ARTHROPLASTY ANKLE REVISION TOTAL ANKLE
Long Descr Arthroplasty, ankle; revision, total 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) 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 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 154 - Arthroplasty other than hip or knee

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

20704 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20705 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient 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).
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).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code 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)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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