CPT® Code 27416

Osteochondral autografts are specialized grafts that consist of both bone and cartilage, which are harvested from the patient's own knee tissue. This procedure is particularly relevant for addressing defects in the articular surface of the knee, which can occur due to injury or degenerative conditions. The technique employed is known as mosaicplasty, which involves the meticulous harvesting of small cylindrical plugs of osteochondral tissue from nonweight-bearing areas of the knee. These plugs are then transplanted into the damaged areas of the knee joint to restore the integrity of the articular surface. The procedure is performed through an open surgical approach, which allows for direct visualization and access to the knee joint. A skin incision is made over the affected compartment of the knee, followed by an incision of the joint capsule (arthrotomy) to expose the damaged tissue. The damaged cartilage and underlying bone are carefully debrided to prepare the site for the transplant. The harvesting of the autograft is done with precision, ensuring that the donor site is approached perpendicularly to the articular surface to obtain viable osteochondral tissue. The recipient site is then meticulously prepared to match the size and shape of the harvested graft, ensuring a proper fit for optimal healing and integration. This process continues until the defect is adequately filled or until no further healthy tissue can be harvested from the donor site.