Outpatient Facility Coding Alert
Fix Cannulated Screw Fixation of a Triplane Fracture With 27827
Question: An elderly patient underwent cannulated screw fixation of a triplane fracture. How do we code this procedure?
Alaska Subscriber
Answer: Report the surgery with 27827 (Open treatment of fracture of weight bearing articular surface/portion of distal tibia [eg, pilon or tibial plafond], with internal fixation, when performed; of tibia only) for cannulated screw fixation of the triplane fracture.
The triplane fracture occurs in the distal tibia and extends through the sagittal (epiphysis), transverse (growth plate), and coronal (distal tibial metaphysis) planes. The tibial plafond is disrupted intra-articularly.
Tip: In rare cases, the screws are inserted percutaneously. In that instance, you would submit the unlisted code 27899 (Unlisted procedure, leg or ankle) and include explanatory documentation.
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