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Official Description

Osteotomy; multiple, with realignment on intramedullary rod (eg, Sofield type procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping bones to correct deformities or misalignments. In the case of CPT® Code 27712, multiple osteotomies of the tibia and/or fibula are performed, specifically utilizing an intramedullary rod for realignment. This type of procedure is often indicated for patients with significant bone deformities that may affect mobility or lead to further complications if left untreated. The term "multiple" indicates that more than one osteotomy is performed, which allows for comprehensive correction of the deformity. The specific type of osteotomy performed—such as transverse, wedge, sliding, right or left angle, V-osteotomy, or Z-osteotomy—depends on the individual patient's condition and the location of the deformity. Prior to the surgical intervention, the physician employs radiographic studies to precisely determine the locations for the bone cuts, ensuring that the procedure is tailored to achieve optimal alignment and function. The surgical approach typically involves making a longitudinal incision over the lower leg, followed by careful dissection of the soft tissues to expose the bone. This meticulous process is essential for elevating the periosteum and accessing the bone for the necessary cuts. The use of an intramedullary rod provides internal stabilization, allowing for proper healing and alignment of the bones post-surgery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Multiple osteotomies of the tibia and/or fibula are indicated for various conditions that result in bone deformities or misalignments. These indications may include:

  • Deformity Correction - Conditions such as varus or valgus deformities of the lower extremities that require surgical intervention to restore proper alignment.
  • Post-Traumatic Deformities - Deformities resulting from previous fractures or trauma that have healed improperly, necessitating surgical correction.
  • Congenital Deformities - Bone deformities present at birth that may require surgical correction to improve function and mobility.
  • Osteoarthritis - Severe cases where joint alignment affects the function of the knee or ankle, leading to pain and disability.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing multiple osteotomies with realignment on an intramedullary rod involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Preoperative Planning - Prior to the surgical procedure, the physician conducts radiographic studies to identify the specific locations for the osteotomies. This planning is crucial for determining the appropriate type of osteotomy needed to correct the deformity effectively.
  • Step 2: Incision and Exposure - A longitudinal incision is made over the lower leg to access the tibia and/or fibula. The soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the bone, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Bone Preparation - The periosteum, a layer of connective tissue surrounding the bone, is elevated to allow for direct access to the bone. Using surgical instruments such as a drill, saw, and/or osteotome, the bone is cut according to the predetermined configuration established during preoperative planning.
  • Step 4: Intramedullary Rod Selection - After the osteotomies are performed, the tibia and/or fibula is sized to select an appropriately sized intramedullary rod. This rod will provide internal stabilization during the healing process.
  • Step 5: Drilling and Rod Placement - A drill hole is created in either the distal or proximal aspect of the tibia and/or fibula. The intramedullary canal is then drilled or reamed through this hole. If a cannulated rod is utilized, a guidewire is placed into the intramedullary canal to facilitate the placement of the rod.
  • Step 6: Securing the Rod - The intramedullary rod is advanced over the guidewire until it is properly positioned within the canal. The bone is then anatomically aligned at each osteotomy site, and the rod is secured using screws, pins, or other fixation devices to ensure stability during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the osteotomy procedure, post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper alignment. Pain management strategies are implemented to ensure patient comfort. Rehabilitation may begin shortly after surgery, focusing on restoring mobility and strength in the affected limb. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the healing process and to ensure that the intramedullary rod remains properly positioned. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient's healing response.

Short Descr OSTEOT MLT RELIGNMT IMED ROD
Medium Descr OSTEOTOMY MULTIPLE W/RELIGNMT INTRAMEDULLARY ROD
Long Descr Osteotomy; multiple, with realignment on intramedullary rod (eg, Sofield type procedure)
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 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 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
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.
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)
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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