2025 CPT code 29877
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty).
Modifiers 51 (multiple procedures), 59 (distinct procedural service), and 76 (repeat procedure) may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.
Medical necessity is established through clinical documentation demonstrating the presence of symptomatic articular cartilage damage in the knee that is unresponsive to conservative management (e.g., physical therapy, medications). The procedure must be deemed necessary to improve function, reduce pain, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
The physician or qualified healthcare professional performs the arthroscopic procedure, including making incisions, inserting the arthroscope, visualizing the joint, using instruments to debride or shave the articular cartilage, irrigating the joint, checking for bleeding, and closing incisions.
In simple words: The doctor uses a small camera (arthroscope) to look inside the knee joint and smooth or remove damaged cartilage. This helps reduce pain and improve movement in the knee.
This CPT code describes a surgical arthroscopic procedure on the knee joint involving the debridement or shaving of articular cartilage.The procedure utilizes an arthroscope to visualize and instrument the joint, allowing for the removal of damaged cartilage. This is a minimally invasive approach to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, improving joint function and reducing pain.The code does not include meniscectomy; if performed in the same compartment, code 29881 is used instead.
Example 1: A patient presents with chronic knee pain and limited range of motion due to osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic chondroplasty (29877) is performed to remove damaged cartilage from the medial femoral condyle, improving joint mechanics and relieving pain., A patient sustains a traumatic knee injury involving articular cartilage damage. An arthroscopic examination reveals significant cartilage damage.Arthroscopic debridement (29877) is performed to remove the damaged tissue, promoting healing and restoring joint function., A patient with osteoarthritis undergoes knee arthroscopy. During the procedure, the surgeon finds damaged cartilage in one compartment and a torn meniscus in another compartment. The surgeon performs chondroplasty (29877) and a partial meniscectomy (29881 or another appropriate meniscectomy code).Both codes are reported since the procedures were in separate compartments.
* Preoperative diagnosis and justification for the procedure.* Operative report detailing the procedure performed, including the location and extent of cartilage debridement/shaving.* Intraoperative findings (e.g., images, descriptions of damaged tissue).* Postoperative diagnosis.* Any complications encountered during the procedure.
** The size and location of the cartilage damage should be documented to support medical necessity and accurate code selection.Careful consideration of the presence or absence of meniscectomy in the same compartment is crucial for correct coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital