CPT® Code 27705

An osteotomy of the tibia involves the surgical procedure of cutting and reshaping the tibial bone to correct deformities or to realign the bone structure. This procedure may also involve the fibula, depending on the specific deformity being addressed. The term 'osteotomy' refers to the surgical cutting of bone, and in this context, it is specifically applied to the tibial and/or fibular shafts and/or distal regions of these bones. The choice of the osteotomy type—such as transverse, wedge, sliding, right or left angle, V-osteotomy, or Z-osteotomy—is determined by the nature and location of the deformity. Prior to the surgery, the physician utilizes radiographic studies to precisely plan the bone cuts necessary to achieve the desired alignment and correction. The surgical approach begins with an incision over the lower leg, followed by careful dissection of the soft tissues to expose the tibia and fibula. The periosteum, which is the connective tissue surrounding the bone, is elevated to allow access to the bone itself. The actual osteotomy is performed using surgical instruments such as drills, saws, or osteotomes to create the necessary bone cuts. In some cases, bone grafts may be inserted between the cut segments to promote healing and stability. To ensure that the bone segments remain properly aligned during the healing process, various fixation methods, including pins, screws, or plates, may be employed. Alternatively, an external fixation device can be used if deemed appropriate. This procedure is coded as CPT® Code 27705 when performed on the tibia alone, while CPT® Code 27707 is used for the fibula alone, and CPT® Code 27709 is applicable for osteotomies involving both the tibia and fibula.