CPT® Code 27170

A bone graft procedure involves the surgical placement of bone material into specific regions of the femur, particularly the femoral head, neck, intertrochanteric, or subtrochanteric areas. This procedure is essential for addressing various orthopedic conditions where there is a need to fill bone defects, promote the natural process of bone healing known as osteogenesis, and ensure the union of fractured bones. Additionally, bone grafts provide structural stability to the affected area and can be utilized in arthrodesis, which is the surgical fusion of bones. The procedure begins with a lateral skin incision made over the hip joint to access the proximal femur. During the operation, the femoral head may be dislocated from the acetabulum to allow for a thorough inspection of the bone defect. The surgeon assesses the defect to determine the appropriate size and type of bone graft necessary for effective repair. Bone grafts can be harvested from various sites, including the iliac crest, tibia, fibula, and greater trochanter of the femur, and may consist of either cortical or cancellous bone. The harvesting process involves careful dissection and removal of overlying muscle tissue to expose the bone. If cancellous bone is needed, the surgeon will excise the cortical bone layer to access the soft, spongy cancellous bone beneath. Once harvested, the bone graft is prepared for placement, which may involve crushing cancellous bone or reshaping cortical bone to fit the defect precisely. Finally, the graft is placed into the defect, and the incisions at both the harvest site and the femur are meticulously closed in layers to promote optimal healing.