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Orthopedic Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Apply 27418 for Fulkerson

Published on Thu Aug 24, 2006

Question: Our surgeon performed an anteromedial tibial tubercle transfer (Fulkerson procedure). Is 27705 the correct code for this service?


Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: You should report 27418 (Anterior tibial tubercleplasty [e.g., Maquet-type procedure]) for the Fulkerson procedure. Although the Fulkerson procedure is technically an osteotomy, 27705 (Osteotomy; tibia) doesn't describe the work as accurately as 27418 does.

Code 27418 describes osteotomy and transfer of  the tibial tubercle (the knob of bone you feel below  your kneecap) to correct the weight-bearing position of the patella."
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