Summary & Overview
CPT 27740: Tibial and Fibular Growth Plate Fusion for Leg-Length Equalization
CPT code 27740 denotes surgical epiphysiodesis of the tibia and fibula—fusion of the growth plate end plates at the upper and lower ends of these bones to arrest growth and help equalize leg length during skeletal maturation. This intervention matters nationally as a targeted orthopedic procedure used in pediatric and adolescent patients to manage limb-length discrepancy and prevent long-term gait and functional problems.
Payers covered in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for when the procedure is indicated, typical sites of service, and the procedural service type. The publication also provides benchmarking information, common billing considerations, and references to policy updates and payer coverage trends where available. Content highlights common modifiers and administrative codes as reference points and summarizes coding nuances relevant to billing and claims submission.
The report is written for a national audience of clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking clear, practical information about CPT code 27740, its clinical role in limb-length management, and payer coverage context.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 27740 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider fuses the end plates of the upper and lower ends of the tibia and fibula to interrupt their growth. The procedure is performed to stop growth of the tibia and fibula so they do not outgrow the opposite limb during the patient’s growth phase, with the clinical aim of equalizing leg length as the patient matures.
-
Service type: Surgical growth modulation/epiphysiodesis of the distal tibia and fibula
-
Typical site of service: Operating room or ambulatory surgical center for orthopedic limb-length equalization procedures
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a pediatric or adolescent with progressive limb-length discrepancy during growth, such as a child with a shorter femur or tibia on one side due to prior trauma, congenital limb deficiency, or growth plate injury. The orthopedic surgeon performs an epiphysiodesis of the distal tibia and/or distal fibula (27740) to arrest growth of the longer-side distal tibial/fibular physes (or to slow the longer limb) to achieve length equalization as the patient approaches skeletal maturity. Preoperative workflow includes serial standing long-leg radiographs and scanograms to measure discrepancy and skeletal age assessment (bone age), prediction of remaining growth, and shared decision-making with family. The procedure is typically performed in an operating room under general anesthesia with fluoroscopic guidance. Postoperative workflow includes immediate radiographic confirmation of implant/physeal arrest (if implanted), immobilization in a cast or boot as indicated, pain control, activity restrictions, and scheduled follow-up with serial radiographs to confirm halted growth and monitor for angular deformity or hardware complications. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient surgical unit. The service type is a surgical orthopedic procedure for growth modulation and limb-length equalization.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
LT | Left side |