CPT® Code 27122

An acetabuloplasty with resection of the femoral head, commonly known as the Girdlestone procedure, is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing severe hip joint issues. This procedure entails the removal of both cartilage and bone from the acetabulum, which is the socket of the hip joint, as well as the resection of the femoral head, the upper part of the thigh bone that fits into the acetabulum. The primary goal of this surgery is to facilitate the fusion of the acetabulum and femur, thereby alleviating pain and restoring function in patients who have experienced complications from previous hip surgeries or have conditions such as primary septic arthritis or secondary infections following hip replacement. The procedure is typically indicated for patients suffering from painful, failed total hip arthroplasties, where conservative treatments have proven ineffective. The surgical approach involves making an incision on the lateral side of the hip, followed by careful dissection of the surrounding soft tissues to gain access to the hip joint. Once the joint is accessed, the femoral head is dislocated from the acetabulum, and the joint is thoroughly cleaned with sterile saline to prepare for the resection. The use of an osteotome allows for the precise removal of the damaged cartilage and bone from the acetabulum, and the excision of the femoral head and/or neck is performed to ensure proper alignment and positioning of the remaining femur within the acetabulum. To stabilize the hip joint post-surgery and prevent movement during the healing process, a hip spica cast is applied, which plays a crucial role in the recovery phase.