Reader Questions:
Core Decompression
Published on Mon Feb 01, 1999
Question: I need help finding a code for core decompression for the femoral head, performed in the treatment of avascular necrosis. Is this similar to an ORIF intertrochanteric hip fracture without the application of the plate, but with multiple drillings?
Coder, San Antonio, TX
Answer: This is a good question that illustrates the complexity that can be involved in orthopedic coding. Core decompression is actually describing the drilling and excision of necrotic tissue or bone (versus an osteotome or sawing the bone). Most often, the physician only drills out dead tissue and bone until it bleeds, which will promote healthy surrounding bone to fill in the holes left open to heal. The CPT code 27070 describes excision of necrotic tissue and 27071 describes excision of necrotic tissue deep (to bone).
