Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question: How is code 29916 different from 29862 for labral repair procedures?

Minnesota Subscriber

Answer: There are two types of labral tears. A primary or type 1 tear occurs due to a fraying or detachment of the labrum from the rim of the acetabulum. A type 2 tear is a tear within the substance of the labrum, typically caused crushing of the labrum against the neck of the femur by an overhanging rim of the acetabulum (pincer lesion). Code 29916 (Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with labral repair) describes arthroscopic repair of the torn labrum. Code 29862 (Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with debridement/shaving of articular cartilage [chondroplasty], abrasion arthroplasty, and/or resection of labrum) represents arthroscopic debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), abrasion arthrosoplasty, and/or resection of labrum. As evident in the descriptors, code 29862 involves resection and code 29916 involves repair of the labrum. Code 29862 is chosen for the selective resection of the unstable portion with debridement of labral tissue.