2025 CPT code 27756
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Fracture and/or Dislocation Procedures on the Leg (Tibia and Fibula) Musculoskeletal System Feed
Percutaneous skeletal fixation of tibial shaft fracture (with or without fibular fracture) using pins or screws.
Modifiers may be appended based on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 54 (surgical care only) may be used if the initial treating physician will not be providing subsequent care. Modifier 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician) may apply if a repeat procedure is necessary.Refer to the current CPT guidelines and NCCI edits for guidance on modifier use.
Medical necessity is established based on the clinical presentation of the fracture, the need for fracture stabilization to restore anatomical alignment, the inability to manage the fracture with conservative measures (casting alone), and documentation of the patient's pain and functional limitations.
The orthopedic surgeon or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for the pre-operative assessment, including neurological and vascular status checks.They perform the percutaneous fixation, applying traction if necessary. Post-operative care and follow-up is also the responsibility of the physician, with imaging (if performed) and supplies reported separately.
- Musculoskeletal System
- Fracture and/or Dislocation Procedures on the Leg (Tibia and Fibula) and Ankle Joint
In simple words: The doctor fixes a broken tibia (shin bone) using pins or screws inserted through the skin. This is done to hold the bone pieces together while it heals and to reduce pain.If there's a break in the fibula (smaller bone next to the tibia), that's treated separately.
This CPT code, 27756, reports the percutaneous skeletal fixation of a tibial shaft fracture, with or without a fibular fracture.The procedure involves inserting pins or screws through the skin and into the bone to stabilize the fracture, typically using image guidance.This is a minimally invasive approach that avoids a large surgical incision.The code includes the insertion and fixation of the hardware; however, any additional procedures, such as manipulation or traction, are billed separately.The treatment of a fibular fracture, if present, is not included in this code.
Example 1: A patient presents with a closed tibial shaft fracture after a fall. The orthopedic surgeon performs a percutaneous fixation using two screws under fluoroscopic guidance. A long leg cast is applied. , A patient sustains an open tibial shaft fracture in a motor vehicle accident. After initial wound care, the orthopedic surgeon performs percutaneous fixation with pins and applies a splint.The wound care is billed separately. , A patient with a comminuted tibial shaft fracture undergoes percutaneous fixation with multiple pins and screws.A long leg cast is applied for immobilization.
Detailed documentation should include the type and location of fracture, images (pre- and post-operative X-rays, fluoroscopy images), description of hardware used (type, number, location), assessment of neurovascular status (pre- and post-operative), technique used (percutaneous), and application of cast or splint.
** The presence or absence of a fibular fracture does not affect code selection.This is a percutaneous procedure, thus it avoids making a large surgical incision.
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text and would require consultation of a current fee schedule.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure typically covers 90 days, including the initial cast or splint application and all professional services. Subsequent procedures during this period, like further casting or X-rays, are reported separately.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is generally not applicable to this code, as it represents the entire procedure.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not available in the provided text.Refer to a historical fee schedule database or payer-specific information for details.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center