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The CPT® Code 27722 refers to the surgical procedure for the repair of nonunion or malunion of the tibia, specifically utilizing a sliding graft technique. A nonunion occurs when the fracture fragments fail to heal together after an adequate period, while a malunion is characterized by improper alignment of the fracture fragments, leading to potential complications such as bone deformities, joint surface incongruities, soft tissue contractures, and nerve impingements. In this procedure, the surgeon exposes the original fracture site on the tibia to assess the condition of the nonunion or malunion and determine the appropriate repair method. Unlike CPT® Code 27720, which addresses similar issues without the use of a graft, this code involves the application of a sliding bone graft, typically indicated for malunion cases. The surgical approach includes cutting the tibia to allow for the repositioning of bone segments into their correct anatomical alignment, followed by the application of internal fixation devices to stabilize the fracture and ensure proper healing. This procedure is critical for restoring the structural integrity of the tibia and facilitating the healing process, ultimately improving the patient's functional outcomes.
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The procedure coded under CPT® 27722 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® 27722 involves several critical steps to ensure effective repair of the nonunion or malunion of the tibia:
Following the surgical procedure coded under CPT® 27722, the patient will typically require monitoring for signs of healing and potential complications. Post-operative care may include pain management, physical therapy to restore function, and regular follow-up appointments to assess the stability and alignment of the tibia. The expected recovery time can vary based on the individual patient's condition and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. It is essential for the surgical site to be kept clean and for the patient to follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare team to ensure optimal healing.
| Short Descr | REPAIR/GRAFT OF TIBIA | Medium Descr | REPAIR NONUNION/MALUNION TIBIA W/SLIDING GRAFT | Long Descr | Repair of nonunion or malunion, tibia; with sliding graft | 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 | 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) |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 20703 | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Removal of drug-delivery device(s), intramedullary (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). | 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 | 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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