Orthopedic Coding Alert

Question The Surgeon performed arthroscopic medial meniscectomy (29881). Large loose body in patellofemoral compartment was unable to be removed through the endoscope. An open procedure was done to extract the foreign body of 33 cm through a 2 cm incision.

Texas Subscriber

Answer You report code 27331 (Arthrotomy, knee; including joint exploration, biopsy, or removal of loose or foreign bodies) as the endoscopic approach done initially was later changed to an open exploration for removal of the foreign body. Code 29881 (Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy [medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving]) is for the arthroscopic meniscectomy.