2025 CPT code 27331
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthrotomy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthrotomy of the knee; including joint exploration, biopsy, or removal of loose or foreign bodies.
Modifiers may be applicable based on the specific circumstances of the procedure. Consult the CPT guidelines and payer-specific rules for guidance.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be documented. The procedure may be medically necessary to diagnose or treat conditions like inflammatory arthritis, loose bodies, or foreign bodies within the knee joint. Appropriate documentation should clearly demonstrate the clinical indication and justify the intervention.
The orthopedic surgeon or a qualified physician is responsible for performing this procedure, including preoperative planning, the surgical technique itself,postoperative care, and follow-up evaluations.
- Musculoskeletal System
- Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System > Excision Procedures on the Femur (Thigh Region) and Knee Joint
In simple words: This code describes a knee surgery where the doctor makes an incision in the knee joint to examine it. They may take a tissue sample (biopsy) or remove any loose pieces of cartilage or other foreign objects.The cut is then closed with stitches.
This CPT code encompasses surgical incision (arthrotomy) of the knee joint, along with exploration of the joint space.The procedure may include a synovial biopsy, and/or the removal of loose bodies or foreign materials from within the joint.The surgeon gains access to the joint structures to address specific pathologies identified intraoperatively.The procedure involves prepping and draping the surgical field, making an incision into the joint capsule, exploring the joint, performing the biopsy (if indicated), removing loose bodies (if present), achieving hemostasis (control of bleeding), and then closing the surgical incision in layers using sutures.
Example 1: A patient presents with a history of knee pain and swelling.Arthrotomy with biopsy reveals inflammatory arthritis. , A patient sustains a traumatic knee injury with a loose body in the joint.Arthrotomy is performed to remove the loose body and explore for additional damage., A patient undergoes an arthrotomy to remove a foreign body (such as a fragment of metal) that has entered the knee joint.
* Preoperative evaluation documenting the need for the procedure.* Operative report detailing the surgical approach, findings, and procedures performed.* Pathology report if a biopsy was performed.* Postoperative notes documenting the patient's recovery.* Imaging studies such as x-rays or MRI, if relevant.
** Accurate coding requires detailed documentation of all aspects of the procedure, including the specific findings and steps undertaken during the surgical exploration.Always verify code appropriateness with payer guidelines.
- Revenue Code: P3D (MAJOR PROCEDURE, ORTHOPEDIC - OTHER)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code will vary depending on the geographic location, specific payer, and the complexity of the procedure performed.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for detailed information.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure will vary depending on payer and other factors; check the specific payer's guidelines.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule : Historical fee schedule data is not readily available but can be obtained from various resources. Contact your local Medicare Administrative Contractor or a commercial payer for specifics.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center