CPT® Code 29876

A surgical arthroscopy of the knee, specifically identified by CPT® Code 29876, involves a procedure known as synovectomy, which is the surgical removal of synovial tissue from the knee joint. The synovium is a specialized membrane that lines the knee joint and is responsible for producing synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint. In certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or synovial proliferative disorders, the synovium can become inflamed, leading to an overproduction of synovial fluid. This excess fluid can cause joint effusion, resulting in swelling and discomfort. The procedure is performed through small incisions, or portals, made on the medial and lateral sides of the knee. An arthroscope, a thin tube with a camera, is inserted through one of these portals to visualize the interior of the joint. A second portal allows for the insertion of a cannula, through which saline solution is introduced to flush the joint and facilitate examination. The surgeon inspects the knee for any signs of disease, injury, or infection. Following this assessment, a motorized shaver is utilized to carefully excise the inflamed synovial tissue, ensuring that surrounding vascular and nervous structures are preserved. It is important to note that CPT® Code 29876 is specifically designated for a major synovectomy, which entails the removal of synovial tissue from two or more compartments of the knee, including the medial, lateral, and patellofemoral areas. In contrast, a partial synovectomy, which involves the removal of synovium from a single compartment, is coded differently (CPT® Code 29875). After the synovectomy is completed, the surgeon controls any bleeding using electrocautery, removes the arthroscope and other instruments, closes the portal incisions, and applies a compressive dressing to the knee to aid in recovery.