CPT® Code 27519

The CPT® Code 27519 refers to the open treatment of a distal femoral epiphyseal separation, which is a specific type of injury often classified as a Salter-Harris fracture. This injury involves the epiphysis, also known as the epiphyseal plate or growth plate, which is crucial for bone growth and development. The femur, the long bone in the thigh, continues to grow in length until early adulthood, making the integrity of the growth plate essential for proper leg development. An epiphyseal separation occurs when trauma disrupts the growth plate, potentially leading to serious complications such as halted growth in the affected leg, which can result in discrepancies in leg length. The procedure involves making an incision on the lateral side of the knee to access the affected area. Surgeons carefully dissect through the layers of tissue, including the fascia lata, and elevate the vastus lateralis muscle to gain visibility and access to the growth plate. The surgical team meticulously dissects around the growth plate to expose the fracture fragments, ensuring that they do not cause further damage to this sensitive area. Once the fragments are visible, the surgeon restores anatomic alignment through direct visualization and careful manipulation. This step is critical to prevent additional injury to the growth plate. After achieving proper alignment, the fracture fragments are secured using internal fixation methods, which may include temporary wire fixation followed by permanent fixation with screws and/or pins. Throughout the procedure, radiographic imaging is utilized to confirm the alignment and stability of the fracture fragments before closing the wound and reapproximating the soft tissue.