Orthopedics CPT Codes
Musculoskeletal procedures, joint injections, fracture care, and arthroscopy
Overview
Orthopedic CPT codes encompass procedures for musculoskeletal conditions, including joint injections, fracture care, arthroscopy, and casting/splinting. Accurate coding requires understanding of anatomical sites and procedure complexity.
Most Common Orthopedics CPT Codes
Top 30 frequently used codes in this specialty
Open treatment of bimalleolar ankle fracture
Fracture Care
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with rotator cuff repair
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial AND lateral)
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; repair of SLAP lesion
Arthroscopy
Open treatment of medial malleolus fracture
Fracture Care
Open treatment of proximal fibula or shaft fracture
Fracture Care
Open treatment of distal fibular fracture (lateral malleolus)
Fracture Care
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial OR lateral)
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; capsulorrhaphy
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, extensive
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; abrasion arthroplasty (includes chondroplasty where necessary)
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; synovectomy, complete
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; synovectomy, major (two or more compartments)
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving)
Arthroscopy
Closed treatment of bimalleolar ankle fracture; with manipulation
Fracture Care
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; distal claviculectomy
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with lysis and resection of adhesions
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage
Arthroscopy
Closed treatment of tibial shaft fracture; with manipulation, with or without skeletal traction
Fracture Care
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving)
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, limited
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for infection, loose or foreign body
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; synovectomy, partial
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; synovectomy, limited
Arthroscopy
Closed treatment of bimalleolar ankle fracture
Fracture Care
Closed treatment of tibial fracture, proximal (plateau); without manipulation
Fracture Care
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for removal of loose body or foreign body
Arthroscopy
Closed treatment of tibial shaft fracture; without manipulation
Fracture Care
Browse by Subcategory
Explore codes organized by procedure type
Fracture Care
11 codes
- 27814 Open treatment of bimalleolar ankle fracture
- 27766 Open treatment of medial malleolus fracture
- 27784 Open treatment of proximal fibula or shaft fracture
- 27792 Open treatment of distal fibular fracture (lateral malleolus)
- 27810 Closed treatment of bimalleolar ankle fracture; with manipulation
Arthroscopy
23 codes
- 29827 Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with rotator cuff repair
- 29883 Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial AND lateral)
- 29807 Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; repair of SLAP lesion
- 29882 Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial OR lateral)
- 29806 Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; capsulorrhaphy
Injections
4 codes
- 20611 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee joint, subacromial bursa), with ultrasound guidance, permanent recording and reporting
- 20610 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; major joint or bursa (eg, shoulder, hip, knee joint, subacromial bursa)
- 20605 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; intermediate joint or bursa (eg, temporomandibular, acromioclavicular, wrist, elbow or ankle, olecranon bursa)
- 20600 Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection; small joint or bursa (eg, fingers, toes)
Casting/Splinting
14 codes
- 29445 Application of rigid total contact leg cast
- 29435 Application of patellar tendon bearing (PTB) cast
- 29425 Application of short leg cast (walking or ambulatory type)
- 29505 Application of long leg splint (thigh to ankle or toes)
- 29065 Application, cast; shoulder to hand (long arm)
Documentation Tips
- Document fracture type and location precisely
- Specify joint injected and approach used
- Note arthroscopy findings and procedures performed
- Document laterality (RT/LT) for unilateral procedures
- Include cast/splint type and application site
Common Denial Patterns
Understanding common denial reasons helps prevent claim rejections and improves audit defense.
- Insufficient documentation for fracture complexity
- Modifier 59 misuse for related procedures
- Global period violation
- Missing laterality documentation
- Bundled procedures incorrectly separated
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Document laterality (RT/LT) and joint specificity; include guidance method if used (e.g., ultrasound).
Diagnostic arthroscopy is bundled into therapeutic arthroscopy. Only distinct, separate compartments or procedures may be reported with modifiers when appropriate.
Most fracture care codes have a 90‑day global. Post‑op visits, typical dressings, and routine follow‑up are included.
Use 59 (or payer‑preferred XS) for a distinct procedural service—different site, lesion, or session—when not better described by other modifiers.
Automate Your Orthopedics CPT Codes Coding
Let AI handle CPT code selection automatically based on your clinical documentation. Save time, reduce errors, and improve coding accuracy.