CPT® Code 29822

Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, limited, 1 or 2 discrete structures (eg, humeral bone, humeral articular cartilage, glenoid bone, glenoid articular cartilage, biceps tendon, biceps anchor complex, labrum, articular capsule, articular side of the rotator cuff, bursal side of the rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, foreign body[ies])

Arthroscopy of the shoulder, specifically coded as CPT® 29822, refers to a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows for the examination and treatment of various shoulder joint conditions. This procedure involves the use of an arthroscope, a small camera that is inserted into the shoulder joint through small incisions, enabling the surgeon to visualize the internal structures of the shoulder. The primary purpose of this procedure is to perform limited debridement, which entails the removal of unhealthy, dead, damaged, or infected tissue from the joint. The debridement can target one or two discrete structures within the shoulder, such as the humeral bone, glenoid bone, articular cartilage, biceps tendon, labrum, or the rotator cuff. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the patient is positioned either in a lateral decubitus position with the arm suspended or in a beach chair position to facilitate access to the shoulder joint. The use of sterile saline solution during the procedure helps to expand the joint space, allowing for better visualization and access to the affected areas. This code is specifically applicable when the debridement is limited to one or two distinct anatomical structures, distinguishing it from more extensive procedures that involve three or more sites, which would be coded differently.