CPT 27612: Posterior Ankle Capsulotomy for Equinus Deformity

Medicare pays $554 on average nationally for this procedure.

CPT code 27612 describes a surgical posterior capsulotomy of the ankle to release a contracture and correct an equinus deformity, with or without an accompanying Achilles tendon lengthening; this is an operative orthopedic procedure performed in an operating room or ambulatory surgical center as part of foot and ankle reconstructive surgery for deformity correction and soft tissue release.

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CPT 27612: Posterior Ankle Capsulotomy for Equinus Deformity

Medicare pays $554 on average nationally for this procedure.

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Sign up for cpt 27612 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 27612 are released or updated.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is an adult or adolescent presenting with ankle equinus and posterior soft-tissue contracture causing limited dorsiflexion, gait disturbance, forefoot overload or skin breakdown. Common history includes progressive tightness of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex after trauma, stroke, cerebral palsy sequelae, or chronic tendon scarring. Examination demonstrates decreased passive ankle dorsiflexion, often with compensatory forefoot gait. Imaging (weight-bearing radiographs and, if indicated, MRI or ultrasound) evaluates joint alignment and tendon pathology. Nonoperative measures (physical therapy, serial casting, orthoses, botulinum toxin) are attempted when appropriate. When conservative care fails and functional limitation persists, the surgeon schedules operative release of the posterior ankle capsule with possible Achilles tendon lengthening to correct equinus deformity.

The procedure is typically performed in an operating room or ambulatory surgery center under regional or general anesthesia. Intraoperative steps include surgical exposure of the posterior ankle, controlled incision of the posterior capsule to release contracture, assessment of ankle dorsiflexion, and optional Achilles tendon lengthening (open or percutaneous) if additional length is required. Postoperative care includes immobilization in a splint or cast, graduated weight-bearing per protocol, and rehabilitation to restore range of motion and gait.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`27650`	Lengthening of Achilles tendon, open; primary	Performed when formal open Achilles tendon lengthening is required in addition to or instead of capsulotomy.
`27652`	Lengthening of Achilles tendon, open; secondary or recurrent	Used if prior lengthening exists and a revision is required during the same operative episode.
`27690`	Repair, tibialis posterior tendon; primary	May be performed in the same operative session when concomitant posterior tendon pathology is addressed.
`28192`	Tenotomy, percutaneous, Achilles tendon	Percutaneous Achilles lengthening is an alternative technique sometimes performed at time of posterior release.
`29515`	Application univalved or bivalved cast, lower extremity	Used postoperatively for immobilization following capsulotomy and/or tendon lengthening.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
2080P0208X	Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician	A pediatrician trained to care for children in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. This specialist can apply specific know…
207R00000X	Internal Medicine Physician	A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
225XH1200X	Hand Occupational Therapist	Respiratory, Developmental, Rehabilitative and Restorative Service Providers · Occupational Therapist
207WX0109X	Neuro-ophthalmology Physician	A neuro-ophthalmologist is a subspecialist of ophthalmology. This physician evaluates, treats, and studies disorders of the eye, orbit and nervous sy…
341800000X	Military/U.S. Coast Guard Transport	Transportation Services · Military/U.S. Coast Guard Transport
103TF0000X	Family Psychologist	A psychologist whose specialty is founded on principles of systems theory with the interpersonal system of the family the focus of assessment, interve…
207VX0000X	Obstetrics Physician	A physician who specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with obstetric conditions.

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: General Surgery1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in Adults	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in Adults	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Site of Service for Ambulatory Surgical Procedures (ASC Select)	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Service	sierra health and life	2026-08-01
Medical Necessity Guidelines — Inpatient Surgical Care	Mass General Brigham Health Plan	2026-08-01
Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) - Site of Care Policy	Kaiser Permanente	2026-08-01
Inpatient Surgical Site of Service	Providence Health Plan	2026-07-01
Removal of Implantable Devices	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-07-01

CPT 27600: Decompression Fasciotomy of Anterior and Lateral Leg Compartments

CPT-27601-POSTERIOR-COMPARTMENT-FASCIOTOMY-LEG-DECOMPRESSION

CPT 27601: Posterior Compartment Fasciotomy of Leg

CPT-27602-LEG-FASCIOTOMY-COMPARTMENT-DECOMPRESSION

CPT 27602: Fasciotomy of Leg, Anterior/Lateral and Posterior Compartments

CPT-27603-INCISION-AND-DRAINAGE-ANKLE-LEG-ABSCESS-HEMATOMA

CPT 27603: Incision and Drainage of Abscess or Hematoma, Ankle/Leg

CPT-27604-DRAINAGE-DEEP-LEG-ANKLE-BURSA-INFECTION

CPT 27604: Drainage of Infected Deep Bursa, Leg or Ankle

CPT-27605-PERCUTANEOUS-ACHILLES-TENDON-INCISION

CPT 27605: Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Incision

CPT-27606-ACHILLES-TENDON-PERCUTANEOUS-INCISION

CPT 27606: Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Incision

CPT-27607-LEG-ANKLE-BONE-ABSCESS-EXCISION-OSTEOMYELITIS

CPT 27607: Excision of Bone Abscess, Leg or Ankle

CPT-27610-ANKLE-ARTHROTOMY-EXPLORATION-DRAINAGE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 27610: Ankle Arthrotomy with Exploration and Drainage

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`27650`	Lengthening of Achilles tendon, open; primary	Performed when formal open Achilles tendon lengthening is required in addition to or instead of capsulotomy.
`27652`	Lengthening of Achilles tendon, open; secondary or recurrent	Used if prior lengthening exists and a revision is required during the same operative episode.
`27690`	Repair, tibialis posterior tendon; primary	May be performed in the same operative session when concomitant posterior tendon pathology is addressed.
`28192`	Tenotomy, percutaneous, Achilles tendon	Percutaneous Achilles lengthening is an alternative technique sometimes performed at time of posterior release.
`29515`	Application univalved or bivalved cast, lower extremity	Used postoperatively for immobilization following capsulotomy and/or tendon lengthening.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207L00000X	Anesthesiology Physician	An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an opera…
2080P0208X	Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician	A pediatrician trained to care for children in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. This specialist can apply specific know…
207R00000X	Internal Medicine Physician	A physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
225XH1200X	Hand Occupational Therapist	Respiratory, Developmental, Rehabilitative and Restorative Service Providers · Occupational Therapist
207WX0109X	Neuro-ophthalmology Physician	A neuro-ophthalmologist is a subspecialist of ophthalmology. This physician evaluates, treats, and studies disorders of the eye, orbit and nervous sy…
341800000X	Military/U.S. Coast Guard Transport	Transportation Services · Military/U.S. Coast Guard Transport
103TF0000X	Family Psychologist	A psychologist whose specialty is founded on principles of systems theory with the interpersonal system of the family the focus of assessment, interve…
207VX0000X	Obstetrics Physician	A physician who specializes in diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with obstetric conditions.

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: General Surgery1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in Adults	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in Adults	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Site of Service for Ambulatory Surgical Procedures (ASC Select)	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select	Premera Bluecross	2026-09-01
Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Service	sierra health and life	2026-08-01
Medical Necessity Guidelines — Inpatient Surgical Care	Mass General Brigham Health Plan	2026-08-01
Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) - Site of Care Policy	Kaiser Permanente	2026-08-01
Inpatient Surgical Site of Service	Providence Health Plan	2026-07-01
Removal of Implantable Devices	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-07-01

CPT 27600: Decompression Fasciotomy of Anterior and Lateral Leg Compartments

CPT-27601-POSTERIOR-COMPARTMENT-FASCIOTOMY-LEG-DECOMPRESSION

CPT 27601: Posterior Compartment Fasciotomy of Leg

CPT-27602-LEG-FASCIOTOMY-COMPARTMENT-DECOMPRESSION

CPT 27602: Fasciotomy of Leg, Anterior/Lateral and Posterior Compartments

CPT-27603-INCISION-AND-DRAINAGE-ANKLE-LEG-ABSCESS-HEMATOMA

CPT 27603: Incision and Drainage of Abscess or Hematoma, Ankle/Leg

CPT-27604-DRAINAGE-DEEP-LEG-ANKLE-BURSA-INFECTION

CPT 27604: Drainage of Infected Deep Bursa, Leg or Ankle

CPT-27605-PERCUTANEOUS-ACHILLES-TENDON-INCISION

CPT 27605: Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Incision

CPT-27606-ACHILLES-TENDON-PERCUTANEOUS-INCISION

CPT 27606: Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Incision

CPT-27607-LEG-ANKLE-BONE-ABSCESS-EXCISION-OSTEOMYELITIS

CPT 27607: Excision of Bone Abscess, Leg or Ankle

CPT-27610-ANKLE-ARTHROTOMY-EXPLORATION-DRAINAGE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 27610: Ankle Arthrotomy with Exploration and Drainage

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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CPT 27612: Posterior Ankle Capsulotomy for Equinus Deformity

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CPT 27612: Posterior Ankle Capsulotomy for Equinus Deformity

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

CPT 27612: Posterior Ankle Capsulotomy for Equinus Deformity

Sign up for cpt 27612 policy alerts

CPT 27612: Posterior Ankle Capsulotomy for Equinus Deformity

Sign up for cpt 27612 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What clinical indications support using CPT 27612 for a patient?

Where is the procedure usually performed and what are the intraoperative steps noted?

What related CPT codes might appear on the same operative report with CPT 27612?

Which ICD-10 diagnoses map to the clinical scenarios described for CPT 27612?

What postoperative care and rehabilitation elements are described for patients undergoing this procedure?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What clinical indications support using CPT 27612 for a patient?

Where is the procedure usually performed and what are the intraoperative steps noted?

What related CPT codes might appear on the same operative report with CPT 27612?

Which ICD-10 diagnoses map to the clinical scenarios described for CPT 27612?

What postoperative care and rehabilitation elements are described for patients undergoing this procedure?

References