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Orthopedic Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Do Not Overlook Acetabular Revision in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Published on Mon May 21, 2012

Question: Our surgeon made a diagnosis of 'failed left total hip arthroplasty with aseptic loosening'. The operative note reads as follows:"Attention was then turned to the acetabulum.  Circumferential exposure of the acetabulum was obtained. The previously identified loose acetabular shell appeared stable, however, there was marked polyethylene wear and poor and extensive osteolysis with delamination of the polyethylene.  The prior polyethylene was removed from the acetabular liner. The acetabulum was irrigated with Betadine, peroxide and pulsatile lavage.  The available polyethylene liners for this cup are not cross-linked.  At this time, the polyethylene liner was brought onto the field.  The backside of it was burred with a bur to allow for cement interdigitation.  At this time one pack of Simple P cement containing tobramycin and methylene blue was used to cement the acetabular liner into place. Excess cement was removed."Does the procedure imply an acetabulum revision? Can we report 27138 (Revision [...]
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