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Official Description

Arthrotomy, hip, with drainage (eg, infection)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27030 refers to an arthrotomy of the hip, which is a surgical intervention involving an incision into the hip joint. This procedure is typically performed to address conditions such as infections within the joint. During the arthrotomy, a skin incision is made on the lateral side of the hip joint, allowing access to the underlying structures. The surgeon carefully dissects through the soft tissues to reach the joint capsule, which is then opened to facilitate drainage. The primary goal of this procedure is to remove any fluid accumulation, which may be indicative of infection or other pathological processes. The fluid collected from the joint is sent for laboratory analysis to determine the underlying cause of the condition. In addition to drainage, the hip joint is thoroughly examined for signs of infection, inflammation, injury, or disease. A cannula is often inserted into the joint space to flush the area with saline solution, effectively clearing out any purulent material or debris that may be present. In some cases, antibiotics or other therapeutic solutions may be introduced into the joint to aid in treatment. After the flushing process, the solutions are drained from the joint, and the procedure may conclude with the placement of one or more drains to facilitate further drainage and prevent fluid accumulation. Finally, the incision is closed around the drains to promote healing while allowing for continued monitoring of the joint's condition.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

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