2025 CPT code 29885
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Arthroscopy Musculoskeletal System Feed
Arthroscopy of the knee with drilling for osteochondritis dissecans, bone grafting, and optional internal fixation.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances.For instance, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) could be used if additional procedures were performed during the same session. Modifiers RT (right side) or LT (left side) should be applied as appropriate.
Medical necessity is established through clinical documentation demonstrating symptomatic osteochondritis dissecans unresponsive to conservative management (physical therapy, medication).The lesion should be significantly impacting the patient's quality of life or functional ability to warrant surgical intervention.
The orthopedic surgeon performs the arthroscopic procedure, including the incisions, insertion of the arthroscope and other instruments, debridement, drilling, bone grafting, and optional internal fixation. Post-operative care and follow-up are also the responsibility of the surgeon.
In simple words: This knee surgery uses a tiny camera (arthroscope) to see and fix a problem where the cartilage separates from the bone (osteochondritis dissecans). The doctor cleans the area, drills small holes to help the bone heal, adds bone grafts, and may use screws to hold everything together.
This CPT code encompasses surgical arthroscopy of the knee joint to address osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). The procedure involves the insertion of an arthroscope to visualize the joint, followed by debridement of the OCD lesion's base.Drilling of damaged cartilage is performed to stimulate bone regrowth and reattachment. Bone grafting material is then introduced.If necessary, internal fixation (such as screw insertion) may be included to secure the cartilage to the underlying bone. The procedure includes the necessary steps of prepping the knee, making small incisions, inserting instruments, and closing the incisions.
Example 1: A 17-year-old athlete presents with persistent knee pain and instability after a sports injury. Arthroscopy reveals osteochondritis dissecans of the lateral femoral condyle. The surgeon performs debridement, drilling, and bone grafting, securing the cartilage with a screw., A 35-year-old patient with a history of OCD experiences recurrent knee pain and locking. Arthroscopy demonstrates a large, unstable OCD lesion on the patella.The surgeon performs debridement, drilling, and bone grafting, with no need for internal fixation., A 40-year-old patient undergoes arthroscopy for suspected meniscus tear. During the procedure, an incidental finding of an OCD lesion is identified on the medial femoral condyle. The surgeon addresses both the meniscus and the OCD using debridement, drilling, bone grafting, and a screw for fixation.
* Pre-operative assessment including patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies (X-ray, MRI).* Intra-operative findings, including the location, size, and nature of the OCD lesion.* Detailed description of the surgical procedure performed (debridement, drilling, bone grafting, fixation).* Post-operative instructions and follow-up care.* Pathology report if a tissue sample is taken.
** This code should only be reported when bone grafting is performed. If no bone grafting is done, a different, more appropriate CPT code should be used.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not typically applicable to this code since the physician is responsible for the entire procedure.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital