2025 CPT code 27720
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Repair, Revision, and/or Reconstruction Procedures on the Leg (Tibia and Fibula) and Ankle Joint Musculoskeletal System Feed
Repair of nonunion or malunion, tibia; without graft (e.g., compression technique).
Modifiers may be applicable based on circumstances such as multiple procedures (51), bilateral procedures (50), or assisting surgeons (80).
Medical necessity is established when a patient experiences a nonunion or malunion of a tibial fracture causing significant pain, functional impairment, or deformity that cannot be managed conservatively.Surgical intervention is necessary to restore limb alignment, stability, and function.
The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the surgical procedure, including pre-operative planning, the surgery itself, and post-operative care.This involves patient assessment, incision and exposure of the tibia, debridement of fibrous tissue, osteotomy (if needed), fracture stabilization, hemostasis, and wound closure.
In simple words: The doctor fixes a broken tibia bone that hasn't healed correctly or at all. This involves an incision, cleaning out damaged tissue, possibly cutting the bone to help it heal better, and using plates and screws to hold it together.No extra bone grafts are used.
This CPT code encompasses the surgical repair of a tibia fracture that has healed improperly (malunion) or not at all (nonunion).The procedure involves an incision at the fracture site, debridement of fibrous tissue, potential osteotomy to promote bone union, and stabilization of the fracture fragments using plates and screws.Grafting is not included.The procedure aims to restore function and alleviate pain.
Example 1: A patient presents with a tibial fracture that failed to heal after initial treatment, resulting in a nonunion.The surgeon performs an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using 27720., A patient experiences a malunion of a previous tibial fracture, resulting in limb deformity and pain.The surgeon performs an osteotomy and realignment using 27720., A patient sustains a complex tibial fracture that requires surgical intervention. The fracture is open-reduced and internally fixed with plates and screws, utilizing 27720.
* Preoperative diagnosis and imaging (x-rays, CT scans) demonstrating nonunion or malunion.* Operative report detailing the surgical technique, including debridement, osteotomy (if performed), fracture stabilization method, and materials used.* Postoperative imaging to confirm fracture alignment and stability.* Progress notes documenting the patient's recovery and any complications.
** The use of this code excludes procedures involving bone grafting.If a graft is used, refer to codes 27722 or 27724.Appropriate documentation is essential for proper coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P3D (Major Procedure, Orthopedic - Other)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.Consult the current CPT codebook or a medical billing resource for RVU data.
- Global Days : The global period for this procedure is not specified in the provided text.Consult the current CPT codebook or a medical billing resource for this information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Technical component (TC) modifiers are not generally applicable to this procedure code.However, modifier usage should always be based on specific circumstances.Check current guidelines.
- Fee Schedule : This information is not available in the provided text. Consult the appropriate fee schedule database for historical data.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital