CPT® Code 29866

The procedure described by CPT® Code 29866 involves a surgical arthroscopy of the knee, specifically utilizing osteochondral autografts, commonly known as mosaicplasty. This technique is employed to address chondral and osteochondral defects that occur on the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint. The term "osteochondral" refers to the composite of bone and cartilage, which is critical for the proper functioning of the knee. During the procedure, small, cylindrical grafts are harvested from a nonweightbearing area of the knee, typically from the femoral trochlea or the medial or lateral walls of the intercondylar notch. The surgical process begins with an arthroscopic inspection of the knee to identify and assess the extent of cartilage damage. Once the damaged area is located, it is measured to determine the number of grafts necessary for effective repair. The harvesting of the grafts involves using a tubular chisel to extract precisely sized cylindrical grafts from the donor site. Subsequently, a tunnel is drilled at the site of the cartilage defect, and the harvested grafts are inserted using a plunger, filling the damaged area with the autogenous grafts. After the grafts are placed, the stability of the graft sites is evaluated by testing the range of motion. This procedure is crucial for restoring the integrity of the knee joint and improving the patient's functional outcomes.