Summary & Overview
CPT 27397: Thigh Multiple Tendon Transfer
CPT code 27397 represents surgical transfer or transplantation of multiple muscle tendons in the thigh to reassign tendon function (for example, converting an extensor to act as a flexor). This procedure is clinically significant for restoring limb function after neurologic injury, congenital deformity, or trauma and has implications for surgical workforce, facility utilization, and national procedure volumes. Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.
Readers will find a concise overview of the code’s clinical context, expected service settings, and common procedural considerations. The publication summarizes national benchmarking where available, highlights payer coverage patterns and modifiers commonly reported with this service, and outlines operational and coding considerations relevant to surgical and billing teams. The content is intended to support revenue integrity, clinical documentation, and payer engagement efforts. Data not available in the input is clearly noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27397 describes a surgical procedure involving the transfer or transplantation of multiple muscle tendons in the thigh. The procedure repositions tendons so that a tendon originally serving one muscle group—for example, an extensor—can function in a different role, such as a flexor, to restore or improve limb function.
Service Type: Orthopedic reconstructive tendon transfer surgery
Typical Site of Service: Inpatient or outpatient surgical setting (operating room), commonly within hospital or ambulatory surgery centers
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with significant thigh muscle imbalance or deformity after trauma, neurologic disease (such as stroke or cerebral palsy), or failed prior tendon repairs, resulting in impaired hip or knee flexion/extension and functional limitations. The surgical team — typically an orthopedic reconstructive surgeon or pediatric orthopedist — evaluates history, physical exam, and imaging (MRI/ultrasound, plain radiographs) to confirm dysfunctional or contracted tendons in the thigh. Preoperative planning includes identification of donor and recipient tendons, neurovascular mapping, and discussion of anesthesia and postoperative rehabilitation. During the procedure the surgeon transfers or transplants multiple thigh muscle tendons (for example, rerouting an extensor tendon to the flexor side) to restore balanced muscle function. Typical intraoperative workflow includes general or regional anesthesia, sterile exposure of involved tendons, mobilization and release, fixation of transferred tendons to new insertion sites, and intraoperative testing of tension and range of motion. Postoperative care involves pain control, immobilization or bracing, early protected range-of-motion per protocol, and outpatient physical therapy to retrain muscle function. Usual site of service is an inpatient or outpatient hospital operating room or an ambulatory surgery center depending on patient comorbidity and payer requirements.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services |