oh wait! I just saw this on the AMA website under CPT Online Knowledge Base, so now if the AMA is stating that the lateral release is performed in the patellofemoral compartment, then I can't code 29877-59 for the chondroplasty performed in the patella area. Read the following:
KB #: 5462
Date: 08/06/2009
Surgery
Musculoskeletal System
Question
In arthroscopic knee surgery, the knee is subdivided into the following three compartments: medial, lateral, and patello-femoral. From a CPT coding perspective, which knee compartment is a surgeon working in when performing an arthroscopic lateral retinacular release, code 29873, Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lateral release?
Answer
Arthroscopy with lateral release, as described by code 29873, is performed in the patellofemoral compartment.