CPT 29873: Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release of Knee

CPT code 29873 denotes an arthroscopic procedure to examine the inside of the knee and perform a lateral retinacular release — an incision of the tight lateral retinaculum to reduce patellar constriction and pain. This code captures a common minimally invasive orthopedic intervention for lateral patellar maltracking or symptomatic tightness that has implications for surgical utilization, outpatient procedural workflows, and post-operative rehabilitation nationally. Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, coverage and billing considerations across major payers, common modifier usage, and benchmark metrics where available. The publication also outlines coding nuances, typical sites of service (hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgery centers), and the procedural role of arthroscopic assessment combined with targeted soft-tissue release. Data not available in the input are clearly identified where applicable. The summary supports clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking to understand how CPT code 29873 is used and reimbursed in contemporary outpatient orthopedic practice.

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Billing Code Overview

CPT code 29873 describes an arthroscopic examination of the interior of the knee to evaluate the fibrous tissues that stabilize the patella (kneecap) with a surgical incision of the lateral retinaculum to relieve excessive tension. The procedure involves use of an arthroscope to inspect intra-articular structures and a targeted release of the lateral retinacular tissues that cause lateral patellar tracking or pain.

Service type: Arthroscopic diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving lateral retinacular release of the knee
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center where arthroscopic knee procedures are performed

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CPT 29873: Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release of Knee

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Billing Code Overview

Service type: Arthroscopic diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving lateral retinacular release of the knee
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center where arthroscopic knee procedures are performed

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 22-year-old active female presents with recurrent lateral anterior knee pain and instability despite conservative care including physical therapy and activity modification. Physical exam reveals lateral patellar tilt and a positive apprehension test. MRI demonstrates tight lateral retinacular fibers without full-thickness cartilage defect. The orthopedic surgeon schedules an arthroscopic lateral retinacular release. In the operating room under regional or general anesthesia, the provider performs diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee with an arthroscope to evaluate intra-articular structures, then identifies and incises the tight lateral retinaculum at the patellofemoral articulation to relieve lateral tethering. The typical site of service is an ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department. Preoperative workflow includes history and physical, informed consent, anesthesia assessment, and implant/supply check. Postoperative workflow includes PACU recovery, discharge instructions with weight-bearing and range-of-motion guidance, and outpatient follow-up for wound check and rehabilitation planning.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M22.2`	Patellar subluxation	Lateral retinacular tightness contributes to recurrent subluxation and is an indication for release
`M22.0`	Recurrent dislocation of patella	Patients with recurrent lateral dislocation may require retinacular release as part of stabilization strategy
`M22.3`	Other instability of patella	Denotes patellofemoral instability where lateral tethering may be addressed arthroscopically
`M17.9`	Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified	Lateral retinacular tightness with degenerative changes may cause pain treated by release in select patients
`M76.6`	Patellar tendinitis	While primarily tendinous, associated lateral tightness and maltracking may prompt consideration of retinacular release in refractory cases

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`29870`	Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy (separate procedure)	Often performed first to inspect joint and identify pathology prior to lateral retinacular release; diagnostic arthroscopy may be bundled with therapeutic work depending on payer rules
`29875`	Arthrotomy, knee, with synovectomy; partial	May be performed if open synovial work is required beyond arthroscopic release or if conversion to open procedure is necessary
`27418`	Release of lateral retinaculum, knee; open (separate code for open procedure)	Used when the retinacular release is performed via an open approach rather than arthroscopic technique; documents technique difference
`29881`	Arthroscopy, knee, with anterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation	Listed as related when additional intra-articular reconstructions are performed during same session; multiple-procedure rules apply
`29874`	Arthroscopy, knee, with lateral meniscus repair	Common concomitant procedure when meniscal pathology is present and simultaneously addressed arthroscopically
`99024`	Postoperative follow-up visit, global period (utilized for reporting postoperative care in some settings)	Represents routine postoperative follow-up services within the global period; check payer-specific reporting requirements

Related Modifiers

11 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…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
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…
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…
58	Modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure/service by the same physician during the postoperative period) indicates that a subsequent procedure performed by the same provider during the…	- Use modifier 58 when the same physician/QHP performs a procedure during the postoperative/global period of an earlier procedure and the subsequent procedure is either planned or anticipated…
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…

Showing 1–10 of 11

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207K00000X	Allergy & Immunology Physician	An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
208000000X	Pediatrics Physician	A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
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…
2086S0122X	Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Physician	A surgeon who specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
376J00000X	Homemaker	An individual who provides general household activities such as meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping, when the individual regularly respo…
103TM1700X	Deactivated - Psychologist Men & Masculinity
163WS0200X	School Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
222Q00000X	Developmental Therapist	A Developmental Therapist is a person qualified by completion of an approved program in Developmental Therapy and where applicable credentialed by the…

CPT 29800: Diagnostic Arthroscopy of Temporomandibular Joint

CPT-29804-TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT-ARTHROSCOPY-TMJ-REPAIR

CPT 29804: Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy and Repair

CPT-29805-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-WITH-SYNOVIAL-BIOPSY

CPT 29805: Arthroscopic Shoulder Examination with Synovial Biopsy

CPT-29806-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-CAPSULE-REPAIR

CPT 29806: Arthroscopic Shoulder Joint Inspection with Capsule Repair

CPT-29807-ARTHROSCOPIC-SLAP-LESION-REPAIR-SHOULDER

CPT 29807: Arthroscopic Repair of SLAP Lesion, Shoulder

CPT-29819-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-LOOSE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 29819: Arthroscopic Removal of Loose or Foreign Body, Shoulder

CPT-29820-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29820: Arthroscopic Synovectomy, Shoulder

CPT-29821-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29821: Arthroscopic Shoulder Synovectomy

CPT-29822-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-LIMITED-DEBRIDEMENT

CPT 29822: Shoulder Arthroscopy with Limited Debridement

CPT-29823-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-DEBRIDEMENT-EXTENSIVE-TISSUE-EXCISION

CPT 29823: Arthroscopic Shoulder Debridement, Extensive Intra-articular Excision

Showing 1–10 of 75

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 Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`M22.2`	Patellar subluxation	Lateral retinacular tightness contributes to recurrent subluxation and is an indication for release
`M22.0`	Recurrent dislocation of patella	Patients with recurrent lateral dislocation may require retinacular release as part of stabilization strategy
`M22.3`	Other instability of patella	Denotes patellofemoral instability where lateral tethering may be addressed arthroscopically
`M17.9`	Osteoarthritis of knee, unspecified	Lateral retinacular tightness with degenerative changes may cause pain treated by release in select patients
`M76.6`	Patellar tendinitis	While primarily tendinous, associated lateral tightness and maltracking may prompt consideration of retinacular release in refractory cases

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`29870`	Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy (separate procedure)	Often performed first to inspect joint and identify pathology prior to lateral retinacular release; diagnostic arthroscopy may be bundled with therapeutic work depending on payer rules
`29875`	Arthrotomy, knee, with synovectomy; partial	May be performed if open synovial work is required beyond arthroscopic release or if conversion to open procedure is necessary
`27418`	Release of lateral retinaculum, knee; open (separate code for open procedure)	Used when the retinacular release is performed via an open approach rather than arthroscopic technique; documents technique difference
`29881`	Arthroscopy, knee, with anterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation	Listed as related when additional intra-articular reconstructions are performed during same session; multiple-procedure rules apply
`29874`	Arthroscopy, knee, with lateral meniscus repair	Common concomitant procedure when meniscal pathology is present and simultaneously addressed arthroscopically
`99024`	Postoperative follow-up visit, global period (utilized for reporting postoperative care in some settings)	Represents routine postoperative follow-up services within the global period; check payer-specific reporting requirements

Related Modifiers

11 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…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
26	Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…	- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
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…
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…
58	Modifier 58 (Staged or related procedure/service by the same physician during the postoperative period) indicates that a subsequent procedure performed by the same provider during the…	- Use modifier 58 when the same physician/QHP performs a procedure during the postoperative/global period of an earlier procedure and the subsequent procedure is either planned or anticipated…
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…

Showing 1–10 of 11

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207K00000X	Allergy & Immunology Physician	An allergist-immunologist is trained in evaluation, physical and laboratory diagnosis, and management of disorders involving the immune system. Select…
208000000X	Pediatrics Physician	A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
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…
2086S0122X	Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Physician	A surgeon who specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
376J00000X	Homemaker	An individual who provides general household activities such as meal preparation, laundry, and light housekeeping, when the individual regularly respo…
103TM1700X	Deactivated - Psychologist Men & Masculinity
163WS0200X	School Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
222Q00000X	Developmental Therapist	A Developmental Therapist is a person qualified by completion of an approved program in Developmental Therapy and where applicable credentialed by the…

CPT 29800: Diagnostic Arthroscopy of Temporomandibular Joint

CPT-29804-TEMPOROMANDIBULAR-JOINT-ARTHROSCOPY-TMJ-REPAIR

CPT 29804: Temporomandibular Joint Arthroscopy and Repair

CPT-29805-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-WITH-SYNOVIAL-BIOPSY

CPT 29805: Arthroscopic Shoulder Examination with Synovial Biopsy

CPT-29806-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-CAPSULE-REPAIR

CPT 29806: Arthroscopic Shoulder Joint Inspection with Capsule Repair

CPT-29807-ARTHROSCOPIC-SLAP-LESION-REPAIR-SHOULDER

CPT 29807: Arthroscopic Repair of SLAP Lesion, Shoulder

CPT-29819-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-LOOSE-FOREIGN-BODY-REMOVAL

CPT 29819: Arthroscopic Removal of Loose or Foreign Body, Shoulder

CPT-29820-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29820: Arthroscopic Synovectomy, Shoulder

CPT-29821-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-SYNOVECTOMY

CPT 29821: Arthroscopic Shoulder Synovectomy

CPT-29822-SHOULDER-ARTHROSCOPY-LIMITED-DEBRIDEMENT

CPT 29822: Shoulder Arthroscopy with Limited Debridement

CPT-29823-ARTHROSCOPIC-SHOULDER-DEBRIDEMENT-EXTENSIVE-TISSUE-EXCISION

CPT 29823: Arthroscopic Shoulder Debridement, Extensive Intra-articular Excision

Showing 1–10 of 75

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.

OpenPayer

CPT 29873: Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release of Knee

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Billing Code Overview

OpenPayer

CPT 29873: Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release of Knee

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Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

References

CPT 29873: Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release of Knee

Sign up for cpt 29873 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

CPT 29873: Arthroscopic Lateral Retinacular Release of Knee

Sign up for cpt 29873 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

What does CPT 29873 represent and where is it typically performed?

Which modifiers are commonly applied to CPT 29873 and when should they be used?

What related CPT codes should I consider when billing alongside 29873?

Which diagnosis codes are commonly associated with CPT 29873?

Which specialties commonly perform or support the care for CPT 29873 and what are typical perioperative workflows?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Codes

What does CPT 29873 represent and where is it typically performed?

Which modifiers are commonly applied to CPT 29873 and when should they be used?

What related CPT codes should I consider when billing alongside 29873?

Which diagnosis codes are commonly associated with CPT 29873?

Which specialties commonly perform or support the care for CPT 29873 and what are typical perioperative workflows?

References