CPT® Code 27730

Epiphyseal arrest, also known as epiphysiodesis, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing discrepancies in bone length, particularly between the lower legs 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 bone as a child grows. In this procedure, a surgical incision is made over the distal aspect of the tibia, which is the larger bone in the lower leg. During the operation, soft tissues surrounding the bone are carefully dissected to expose the distal tibia and/or fibula while ensuring that vital blood vessels and nerves are protected. Once the bones are adequately exposed, various devices such as Blount staples, transphyseal screws, or a plate and screw device are strategically placed in the epiphysis of the distal tibia and/or fibula. These devices serve to temporarily halt the growth of the bone, thereby correcting the length discrepancy. The specific CPT® code 27730 is designated for the epiphyseal arrest of the distal tibia, while codes 27732 and 27734 are used for similar procedures on the distal fibula and both the distal tibia and fibula, respectively.