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Official Description

Tenotomy, open, hamstring, knee to hip; single tendon

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Hamstring tenotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing flexion deformities of the knee, which can significantly impact mobility and function. The hamstring group consists of three primary muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles play a crucial role in extending the knee and flexing the thigh, making them essential for various movements such as walking, running, and jumping. In the context of CPT® Code 27390, the procedure involves an open tenotomy, which specifically targets a single tendon within the hamstring group. During the operation, a surgical incision is made in the popliteal crease, which is the area located behind the knee, directly over the insertion site of the tendon on the tibia. The surgeon carefully dissects the surrounding soft tissues to expose the tendon that is to be divided. Once the tendon is adequately exposed, it is incised and divided to alleviate the flexion deformity. Following the tenotomy, a long leg or cylinder cast is applied to the patient’s leg with the knee in an extended position to ensure proper healing and stabilization. It is important to note that for cases involving the division of multiple hamstring tendons in one leg, CPT® Code 27392 should be utilized, and the same code applies for the division of multiple tendons in both legs.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

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