Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: Our physician documented a patellaplasty, but I cannot find any codes for this procedure, either as an open or arthroscopic surgery. Has CPT designated a specific procedure code for the patella replacement?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: If the surgeon performs the patellar arthroplasty as an open procedure, you should report 27437 (Arthroplasty, patella; without prosthesis) or 27438 (... with prosthesis). If you cannot determine from the operative report whether the physician used a prosthesis, ask the surgeon whether he used one.

The patellaplasty is usually, by nature, an open procedure because the physician has to actually remove at least a portion of the patient's kneecap, which surgeons do not usually perform arthroscopically.