CPT® Code 27475

Epiphyseal arrest is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing discrepancies in bone length, particularly between the femurs or between the tibia and fibula. The term "epiphysis" refers to the growth plate, which is a critical area of developing bone tissue that influences the length and shape of the bones as a child grows. During this procedure, an incision is made over the distal aspect of the femur, which is the thigh bone located near the knee, and/or the proximal aspect of the tibia and/or fibula, which are the two bones located in the lower leg. The surgical team carefully dissects the surrounding soft tissues while ensuring the protection of vital blood vessels and nerves in the area. Once the distal femur and/or proximal tibia and/or fibula are adequately exposed, various devices such as Blount staples, transphyseal screws, or a plate and screw device are strategically placed within the epiphysis. These devices serve to temporarily arrest bone growth, effectively managing the length discrepancy. For coding purposes, the specific CPT® code 27475 is designated for epiphyseal arrest of the distal femur, while 27477 is used for procedures performed on the proximal tibia and fibula, and 27479 is applicable when the procedure involves both the distal femur and the proximal tibia and fibula.