2025 CPT code 27310
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthrotomy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthrotomy of the knee with exploration, drainage, or removal of a foreign body.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on circumstances, such as modifier 51 (multiple procedures), 76 (repeat procedure), or others.Consult the CPT manual for further details.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of symptoms such as pain, swelling, and limitation of motion of the knee joint, combined with findings of infection, foreign body, or loose bodies on physical examination or imaging.
The clinical responsibility includes pre-operative evaluation, obtaining informed consent, performing the arthrotomy, exploring the joint space, draining any fluid or pus, removing foreign bodies, irrigating the wound, and closing the incision.Post-operative care and follow-up are also the responsibility of the performing physician.
In simple words: The doctor makes a cut in the knee joint to look inside, clean out any pus or infection, and remove anything that shouldn't be there (like a piece of bone or other foreign material).The cut is then closed.
This procedure involves an incision into the knee joint to explore the joint space, drain pus or fluid, and/or remove foreign bodies (e.g., loose fragments of bone or cartilage, infection).The procedure includes incision, exploration, drainage, or removal of foreign material, and closure of the joint and wound.Appreciable vessel exploration and/or neuroplasty should be reported separately if performed.
Example 1: A patient presents with a painful, swollen knee due to a septic arthritis.An arthrotomy is performed to drain the infected joint fluid and irrigate the joint with antibiotics., A patient sustains a penetrating injury to the knee with a foreign body embedded in the joint.Arthrotomy is performed to remove the foreign body and debride any damaged tissue., A patient experiences post-operative pain and swelling in the knee after a previous knee surgery, and an arthrotomy is performed to remove loose bodies in the joint cavity.
* Complete history and physical examination documenting the indication for the procedure.* Documentation of the pre-operative diagnosis and the presence of pus, fluid, or foreign body.* Operative report detailing the surgical procedure performed.* Post-operative diagnosis and plan of care.* Imaging studies (e.g., x-rays, MRI) if obtained.
** Careful documentation is critical for proper coding and reimbursement.If a synovectomy is performed in addition to the arthrotomy, code 27335 might be more appropriate.If only a biopsy is performed, use code 27330.
- Revenue Code: P5B (Ambulatory Procedures - Musculoskeletal)
- RVU: Refer to CMS Relative Value Units for current reimbursement information.RVUs will vary based on geographic location and other factors.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure varies based on payer and the specific circumstances of the case.Consult your payer's guidelines for details.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code since it is a complete surgical procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedules vary by payer and geographic location. Consult your payer's specific fee schedule for historical data.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center