2025 CPT code 29874
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for removal of loose body or foreign body (eg, osteochondritis dissecans fragmentation, chondral fragmentation).
Modifiers may be applicable in certain situations, such as modifier 51 (Multiple Procedures) if performed with other procedures, or modifier 76 (Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician) if the procedure needs to be repeated by the same surgeon.
Medical necessity must be established by demonstrating that the loose or foreign body is causing symptoms such as pain, limited range of motion, catching or locking of the joint, and that conservative treatments have been unsuccessful or are unsuitable. Supporting documentation, including imaging results and clinical findings, should justify the need for surgical intervention.
The surgeon performs the procedure under local or general anesthesia, using sterile techniques.They are responsible for visualizing the joint, identifying and removing loose bodies, irrigating the area, controlling bleeding, and closing the incisions.Post-operative care instructions, including pain management and rehabilitation exercises, are also provided by the surgeon.
In simple words: This procedure is a minimally invasive surgery to remove loose bits of bone or cartilage from your knee.These fragments can cause pain and make it hard to move your knee. The surgeon makes small cuts and inserts a tiny camera to see inside your knee joint. They then use special tools to take out the loose pieces.
This code describes a surgical procedure where an arthroscope is used to examine the inside of the knee joint and remove any loose or foreign bodies present. These bodies, often fragments of cartilage or bone, can cause pain, inflammation, and limited mobility. The procedure involves making small incisions around the knee, inserting the arthroscope (a small camera with a light source) into the joint, and using specialized instruments to remove the loose or foreign material. The specific technique for removal may vary, such as using a suction device or grasping tools, depending on the size and location of the bodies. Saline solution is used to irrigate and inflate the joint during the procedure.
Example 1: A patient experiences pain and locking in their knee after a sports injury. An x-ray reveals a loose fragment of cartilage. Code 29874 is used for the arthroscopic removal of the fragment., A patient with osteoarthritis develops recurring pain and swelling in their knee. Loose bodies are suspected. An MRI confirms the presence of multiple loose bodies. Code 29874 is used for the surgical removal of the bodies via arthroscopy., A patient has a history of osteochondritis dissecans. A piece of bone and cartilage has dislodged and is floating freely in the knee joint, causing significant discomfort. Code 29874 is used when the surgeon arthroscopically removes the loose fragment.
Documentation should include details of the patient’s symptoms, relevant imaging studies (x-ray, MRI) confirming the presence and nature of the loose body/bodies, a description of the surgical procedure, size of loose body, instruments used, and any complications encountered. Post-operative instructions and plans for follow-up care should also be documented.
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- Revenue Code: P8A
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department, Physician's Office (if equipped for surgical procedures)