CPT® Code 20955

The procedure described by CPT® Code 20955 involves the harvesting of a bone graft specifically from the fibula, which is one of the long bones located in the lower leg. This process is essential for reconstructive surgery, where the harvested bone is utilized to fill a defect in another area of the body. The procedure begins with the physician carefully isolating and dissecting the fibula bone while ensuring that the associated blood vessels remain intact. This is crucial as the blood vessels will be necessary for the graft to survive and integrate into the recipient site. After the bone graft is harvested, the donor site is meticulously closed in layers to promote proper healing and minimize complications. The harvested graft is then positioned to fill the defect at the designated site, where the blood vessels from the graft are anastomosed, or surgically connected, to the vessels in the defect area. This connection is vital for ensuring adequate blood supply to the graft, which is essential for its viability and successful integration. Finally, the defect area is closed with layered sutures, completing the procedure. This code is specifically designated for the use of a fibula graft, distinguishing it from other codes that pertain to grafts harvested from different anatomical sites, such as the iliac crest or metatarsal.