2025 CPT code 29871
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Surgical arthroscopy of the knee for infection; lavage and drainage.
Modifiers may be appropriate depending on the circumstances. For instance, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) might apply if other procedures are performed during the same session, and modifier 76 (repeat procedure by the same physician) if the procedure is repeated.
Medical necessity for code 29871 is established by the presence of a documented knee joint infection requiring surgical intervention for debridement and irrigation to improve clinical outcomes and prevent further damage.
The orthopedic surgeon or qualified healthcare professional is responsible for performing the arthroscopy, including making incisions, inserting and manipulating the arthroscope, irrigating and draining the joint, achieving hemostasis, removing instruments, and closing the incisions. Preoperative preparation and postoperative care may be handled by other members of the healthcare team.
In simple words: The doctor uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) to look inside the knee joint to check for infection.They then wash out the joint with a sterile solution and drain any infected fluid.
This CPT code encompasses surgical arthroscopy of the knee joint to address an infection.The procedure involves the insertion of an arthroscope to visualize the joint, followed by irrigation (lavage) to remove infected debris and drainage of accumulated fluid.The procedure includes the creation of small incisions for arthroscope insertion, saline solution instillation to distend the joint, thorough visualization and irrigation, drainage, hemostasis (control of bleeding), instrument removal, and closure of incisions.
Example 1: A patient presents with acute septic arthritis of the knee.Arthroscopy is performed to visualize the extent of the infection, irrigate and debride the joint, and obtain cultures for appropriate antibiotic therapy., A patient with a history of prosthetic knee replacement experiences post-operative infection.Arthroscopic lavage and debridement is performed to remove purulent material and reduce the infection., A patient sustains a penetrating injury to the knee with subsequent infection. Arthroscopic lavage and debridement is performed to remove foreign material and infected tissue.
* Preoperative diagnosis of knee infection (e.g., septic arthritis, post-operative infection).* Operative report detailing the arthroscopy procedure, including irrigation volume, type of solution used, and any tissue removed.* Cultures obtained and laboratory results.* Pathology report if any tissue is sent for analysis.* Post-operative plan for antibiotic therapy and physical therapy.
** This procedure should only be reported when the infection is confirmed and requires surgical intervention.If only diagnostic arthroscopy is performed without lavage and drainage, the appropriate diagnostic code should be reported instead.