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2025 CPT code 27602

Decompression fasciotomy of leg, involving anterior and/or lateral, and posterior compartment(s).

The choice between codes 27600, 27601, and 27602 depends on the specific compartments decompressed. Code 27602 is used when both the anterior/lateral and posterior compartments are involved.

Modifiers may be applicable to this code, such as modifier 54 (Surgical care only), 76 (Repeat procedure by same physician), or 77 (Repeat procedure by another physician), depending on the circumstances of the service.

Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of compartment syndrome, which is confirmed by clinical findings (e.g., pain, paresthesia, pallor, pulselessness, paralysis) and/or elevated intracompartmental pressure measurements.

In simple words: This procedure relieves pressure and swelling in the leg by cutting open the fibrous tissue covering the muscles. It's done to treat a serious condition called compartment syndrome, which can occur after an injury.

This code describes a surgical procedure to relieve pressure in the leg compartments (anterior and/or lateral, and posterior) affected by compartment syndrome. The procedure involves incising the fascia to decompress the affected muscles and nerves.

Example 1: A patient presents with acute compartment syndrome in their lower leg following a tibia fracture. The surgeon performs a fasciotomy of the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments to relieve pressure and restore blood flow., An athlete experiences severe pain and swelling in their lower leg during strenuous exercise. They are diagnosed with chronic exertional compartment syndrome. A fasciotomy of the affected compartments is performed to alleviate the symptoms and allow for normal physical activity., A patient develops compartment syndrome in their lower leg following a crush injury. The surgeon performs a fasciotomy of all four leg compartments (anterior, lateral, deep posterior, and superficial posterior) to prevent permanent tissue damage.

Documentation should include details about the compartment(s) involved, the cause of the compartment syndrome (e.g., trauma, fracture, vascular injury), the presence of any associated injuries, and the intracompartmental pressure measurements if taken.

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