CPT® Code 27472

Repair, nonunion or malunion, femur, distal to head and neck; with iliac or other autogenous bone graft (includes obtaining graft)

The procedure described by CPT® Code 27472 involves the surgical repair of a nonunion or malunion of the femur, specifically located distal to the head and neck of the femur. A nonunion occurs when the fracture fragments fail to unite after an adequate period of healing, while a malunion refers to a situation where the fragments heal in an incorrect position, leading to potential complications. These complications can include osseous abnormalities, incongruity of articular surfaces, soft tissue contracture, and nerve impingement, which may result in pain and functional impairment for the patient. During the procedure, the original fracture site is surgically exposed to assess the condition of the nonunion or malunion. The surgeon determines the appropriate method of repair, which may involve the use of an autogenous bone graft to fill any bone defects and promote healing. This graft is typically harvested from the iliac crest, and the procedure includes obtaining the graft as part of the overall surgical intervention. The use of a bone graft is essential in this context, as it provides the necessary biological material to facilitate the healing process, especially in cases where the fracture has not healed properly on its own.