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Official Description

Closed treatment of posterior malleolus fracture; without manipulation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 27767 refers to the closed treatment of a posterior malleolus fracture without manipulation. This procedure is indicated for fractures that are in anatomic alignment, meaning that the bone fragments are properly positioned and do not require manual adjustment to achieve correct alignment. The posterior malleolus is a bony prominence located at the back of the ankle joint, and fractures in this area can occur due to various types of trauma. In this procedure, the physician first conducts a thorough evaluation of the fracture using radiographic studies to assess its stability, size, location, and the number of bone fragments involved. Once it is determined that the fracture is stable and does not require manipulation, a cast is applied to maintain the alignment of the fracture during the healing process. This code is distinct from other related codes, such as 27768, which is used when manipulation is necessary, and 27769, which pertains to open treatment methods. The closed treatment approach minimizes surgical intervention, focusing instead on immobilization to facilitate natural healing of the fracture.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of a posterior malleolus fracture without manipulation, as described by CPT® Code 27767, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Stable Posterior Malleolus Fracture - This procedure is performed on fractures that are in anatomic alignment and do not require manual repositioning of the bone fragments.
  • Fractures Evaluated by Radiographic Studies - Prior to treatment, the fracture must be assessed through radiographic imaging to determine its stability, size, location, and the number of fragments.

2. Procedure

The procedure for closed treatment of a posterior malleolus fracture without manipulation involves several key steps:

  • Evaluation of the Fracture - The physician begins by conducting a thorough evaluation of the fracture using radiographic studies. This assessment is crucial to determine the stability of the fracture, its size, location, and the number of bone fragments present.
  • Confirmation of Anatomic Alignment - Once the evaluation is complete, the physician confirms that the fracture is in anatomic alignment, meaning that the bone fragments are properly positioned and do not require manipulation.
  • Application of a Cast - After confirming the alignment, a cast is applied to the affected area. The purpose of the cast is to immobilize the fracture, maintaining its alignment and allowing for proper healing over time.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the closed treatment procedure, the patient is typically monitored for any signs of complications. The cast will need to remain in place for a specified duration to ensure that the fracture heals correctly. Patients may be advised on follow-up appointments to assess the healing process through additional radiographic evaluations. It is important for patients to adhere to any activity restrictions and care instructions provided by the physician to promote optimal recovery.

Short Descr CLTX POST ANKLE FX
Medium Descr CLOSED TREATMENT PST MALLEOLUS FRACTURE W/O MANJ
Long Descr Closed treatment of posterior malleolus fracture; without manipulation
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
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).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
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.
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.)
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)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2008-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2008.
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