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The CPT® Code 27725 refers to the surgical procedure for the repair of a nonunion or malunion of the tibia through the creation of a synostosis with the fibula, utilizing any method. A nonunion occurs when the fracture fragments fail to unite after an adequate period of healing, while a malunion is characterized by improper alignment of the fracture fragments, leading to potential complications such as osseous abnormalities, incongruity of articular surfaces, soft tissue contracture, and nerve impingement. In this procedure, the original fracture site in the tibia is surgically exposed to assess the condition of the nonunion or malunion. The evaluation determines the appropriate method of repair required to achieve proper alignment and stability. This procedure is distinct from other related codes, such as 27720, which involves internal fixation without a graft, and 27722, which employs a sliding bone graft for malunion treatment. In contrast, CPT® Code 27725 specifically addresses the need to create an osseous union between the tibia and fibula, thereby facilitating the healing process at the tibial fracture site through the use of a bone graft secured with screws, ultimately promoting the fusion of the two bones.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 27725 is indicated for patients who present with a nonunion or malunion of the tibia. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for CPT® Code 27725 involves several critical steps to ensure successful repair of the nonunion or malunion of the tibia:
After the completion of the procedure, the patient will require careful monitoring and post-operative care to ensure proper healing. This may include pain management, immobilization of the affected limb, and follow-up imaging to assess the status of the bone union. Rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function and strength to the affected leg, and the patient will be advised on activity restrictions during the recovery period to prevent complications.
| Short Descr | REPAIR OF LOWER LEG | Medium Descr | RPR NON/MAL TIBIA SYNOSTOSIS W/FIBULA ANY METH | Long Descr | Repair of nonunion or malunion, tibia; by synostosis, with fibula, any method | 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 | 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) |
| 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.) | 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 | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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