Summary & Overview

CPT 27485: Hemiepiphysiodesis (Growth Modulation) Near the Knee

CPT code 27485 represents a pediatric or adolescent orthopedic surgical procedure to arrest or modulate growth at the knee region using staples, plates, or comparable devices. The code is used for targeted epiphyseal interventions to correct angular deformities such as genu varus and genu valgus. Nationally, this procedure is relevant for payers managing musculoskeletal surgical care, orthopedics practice patterns, and pediatric growth‑modulation pathways.

Key payers commonly referenced in coverage and payment discussions include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers can expect an overview of the clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, common billing considerations, and payer coverage patterns where available. The publication summarizes benchmark payment themes, coding considerations tied to surgical setting and laterality, and clinical scenarios that commonly generate use of this code.

This document is written for clinicians, coding professionals, and payer policy analysts seeking a concise reference for CPT code 27485, its clinical purpose, and the operational contexts in which it is billed. Data not available in the input will be noted explicitly where applicable.

AetnaBlue Cross Blue ShieldCigna HealthUnitedHealthcareMedicare27485CPTorthopedic surgeryhemiepiphysiodesispediatric orthopedicsgrowth modulationknee surgerysurgical coding

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 27485 describes a surgical procedure to arrest growth of a lower‑extremity long bone by stapling, plate placement, or a similar technique in the epiphyseal region near the knee. The intent of the procedure is to correct or limit progressive angular deformities of the leg such as genu varus (bowleg) or genu valgus (knock-knee).

Service type: Surgical growth modulation / epiphysiodesis or hemiepiphysiodesis
Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center for orthopedic procedures involving the knee and distal femur or proximal tibia

Data not available in the input.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 12-year-old child presents with progressive knee malalignment and symptoms of early growth-related deformity, clinically consistent with genu valgum (knock-knee). The child has documented angular deformity on standing long-leg radiographs with remaining growth potential at the distal femoral physis. After conservative measures (observation and bracing) fail to correct the deformity and the family elects surgical management, the orthopaedic surgeon schedules a hemiepiphysiodesis procedure using guided growth (staples or tension-band plating) at the distal femoral physis to arrest growth on the convex side and permit gradual realignment.

The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation with history, physical exam, standing alignment radiographs, informed consent, and preop clearance. Intraoperative steps include general anesthesia, fluoroscopic confirmation of physis, placement of staples or a small plate and screws across the peripheral physis (epiphyseal area near the knee), and immediate postoperative radiographs. Postoperative care includes weight-bearing instructions, wound checks, periodic radiographic monitoring every 3–6 months to document correction, and scheduled hardware removal when alignment is achieved or growth potential is exhausted.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`RT` / `LT`	Right / Left designator	Use to indicate laterality when procedure is performed on a single limb.
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when identical procedures are performed on both lower extremities during the same operative session.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when a separate, unrelated procedure is performed during the same operative episode that is not normally billed together.
`62`	Two surgeons	Use when two surgeons work together as primary surgeons, each performing distinct portions of the procedure.
`78`	Return to OR for related procedure by same physician	Use for unplanned return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative global period.
`79`	Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period	Use when an unrelated procedure is performed during the global period.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the service provided is partially reduced or not completed as originally planned.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the planned procedure is started but discontinued due to extenuating circumstances.
`22`	Increased procedural services	Use to indicate substantially greater work than usual for the code (document justification).
`76` / `77`	Repeat procedure by same/another physician	Use when the same procedure is repeated subsequent to the initial service (if applicable); note: not in original list — not selected.
`73`	Discontinued outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center prior to anesthesia	Use when the procedure is stopped after induction or prior to anesthesia; applicable to facility reporting.
`78`	(duplicate entry avoided)	(see above)

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery	Surgeons who commonly perform hemiepiphysiodesis and guided-growth procedures.
2080P0208X	Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery	Pediatric subspecialists experienced in growth modulation techniques.
207M00000X	Surgery	General surgeons are not typical; listed for completeness — primary specialty is orthopaedics.
2086S0125X	Orthopaedic Surgery of the Lower Extremity	Focus on knee and lower limb deformity correction procedures.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M21.16`	Valgus deformity, acquired, of left lower leg	Hemiepiphysiodesis addresses progressive acquired genu valgum by arresting growth on one side of the physis.
`M21.15`	Varus deformity, acquired, of right lower leg	Used when the deformity is genu varus; epiphysiodesis can correct angular deformity.
`Q67.5`	Knock-knee (genu valgum) [congenital]	Congenital or developmental knock-knee may be treated with guided growth when growth remains.
`M20.11`	Hallux valgus (not directly related)	Not directly related to this procedure; included only if coexisting foot deformity is documented — otherwise not applicable.
`M23.8X9`	Other internal derangements of knee, unspecified knee	Included when intra-articular pathology is addressed concurrently; report only if relevant and documented.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`27485`	Epiphysiodesis, femur, proximal or distal (growth arrest) — stapling or plating technique	Primary procedure: guided growth/hemiepiphysiodesis at the distal femur near the knee to correct angular deformity.
`73560`	Radiologic examination, knee; standing, with weight-bearing, 3 views	Preoperative and follow-up imaging to assess alignment and correction; frequently used in planning and monitoring.
`20690`	Removal of deep implant, devices, or foreign body (e.g., plate, screws) when performed separately	Used when hardware removal is performed in a separate operative session after correction is achieved.
`27370`	Destruction of benign bone lesion; femur (example adjunct code)	Not commonly used; included only if concurrent bone lesion treatment is required (rare).
`29881`	Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic with meniscal procedures (when applicable)	Performed if intra-articular pathology is addressed at the same time; report only if performed and documented as distinct.