The Carelon Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines (hereinafter “the Carelon Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines” or the “Guidelines”) are designed to assist providers in making the most appropriate treatment decision for a specific clinical condition for an individual. The Guidelines establish objective and evidence-based criteria for medical necessity determinations, where possible, that can be used in support of the following:

To establish criteria for when services are medically necessary
To assist the practitioner as an educational tool
To encourage standardization of medical practice patterns
To curtail the performance of inappropriate and/or duplicate services
To address patient safety concerns
To enhance the quality of health care
To promote the most efficient and cost-effective use of services

The Carelon guideline development process complies with applicable accreditation and legal standards, including the requirement that the Guidelines be developed with involvement from appropriate providers with current clinical expertise relevant to the Guidelines under review and be based on the most up-to-date clinical principles and best practices. Resources reviewed include widely used treatment guidelines, randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies, and large systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Carelon reviews all of its Guidelines at least annually.

Carelon makes its Guidelines publicly available on its website. Copies of the Guidelines are also available upon oral or written request. Additional details, such as summaries of evidence, a list of the sources of evidence, and an explanation of the rationale that supports the adoption of the Guidelines, are included in each guideline document.

Although the Guidelines are publicly available, Carelon considers the Guidelines to be important, proprietary information of Carelon, which cannot be sold, assigned, leased, licensed, reproduced or distributed without the written consent of Carelon. Use of the Guidelines by any external AI entity without the express written permission of Carelon is prohibited.

Carelon applies objective and evidence-based criteria, and takes individual circumstances and the local delivery system into account when determining the medical appropriateness of health care services. The Carelon Guidelines are just guidelines for the provision of specialty health services. These criteria are designed to guide both providers and reviewers to the most appropriate services based on a patient’s unique circumstances. In all cases, clinical judgment consistent with the standards of good medical practice should be used when applying the Guidelines. Guideline determinations are made based on the information provided at the time of the request. It is expected that medical necessity decisions may change as new information is provided or based on unique aspects of the patient’s condition. The treating clinician has final authority and responsibility for treatment decisions regarding the care of the patient and for justifying and demonstrating the existence of medical necessity for the requested service. The Guidelines are not a substitute for the experience and judgment of a physician or other health care professionals. Any clinician seeking to apply or consult the Guidelines is expected to use independent medical judgment in the context of individual clinical circumstances to determine any patient’s care or treatment.

The Guidelines do not address coverage, benefit or other plan specific issues. Applicable federal and state coverage mandates take precedence over these clinical guidelines, and in the case of reviews for Medicare Advantage Plans, the Guidelines are only applied where there are not fully established CMS criteria. If requested by a health plan, Carelon will review requests based on health plan medical policy/guidelines in lieu of the Carelon Guidelines. Pharmaceuticals, radiotracers, or medical devices used in any of the diagnostic or therapeutic interventions listed in the Guidelines must be FDA approved or conditionally approved for the intended use. However, use of an FDA-approved or conditionally approved product does not constitute medical necessity or guarantee reimbursement by the respective health plan.

The Guidelines may also be used by the health plan or by Carelon for purposes of provider education, or to review the medical necessity of services by any provider who has been notified of the need for medical necessity review, due to billing practices or claims that are not consistent with other providers in terms of frequency or some other manner.

General Clinical Guideline

Clinical Appropriateness Framework

Critical to any finding of clinical appropriateness under the guidelines for a specific diagnostic or therapeutic intervention are the following elements:

Prior to any intervention, it is essential that the clinician confirms the diagnosis or establishes its pretest likelihood based on a complete evaluation of the patient. This includes a history and physical examination and, where applicable, a review of relevant laboratory studies, diagnostic testing, and response to prior therapeutic intervention.
The anticipated benefit of the recommended intervention is likely to outweigh any potential harms, including delay or decreased access to services that may result (net benefit). Unless specifically stated, elective surgery with an infection or open wound at or near a surgical site would be potential harm to a patient.
Widely used treatment guidelines, current clinical literature, and/or standards of medical practice should support that the recommended intervention offers the greatest net benefit among competing alternatives.
There exists a reasonable likelihood that the intervention will lead to an improved health status for the patient.
The requested intervention should match the intended treatment plan in the medical record.

Providers may be required to submit clinical documentation supporting a request for services. Such documentation must a) accurately reflect the clinical situation at the time of the requested service, and b) sufficiently document the ordering provider’s clinical intent.

If these elements are not established with respect to a given request, the determination of appropriateness will most likely require a peer-to-peer conversation to understand the individual and unique facts that would justify a finding of clinical appropriateness. During the peer-to-peer conversation, factors such as patient acuity and setting of service may also be considered to the extent permitted by law.

If a surgeon performs an authorized surgery and intraoperatively finds it necessary to perform a procedure that was not previously authorized, the surgeon may submit a request for authorization post-service. The necessity for the procedure should be well documented in the operative report and submitted in a timely manner for appropriate review and coverage.

Simultaneous Ordering of Multiple Diagnostic or Therapeutic Interventions

Requests for multiple diagnostic or therapeutic interventions at the same time will often require a peer-to-peer conversation to understand the individual circumstances that support the medical necessity of performing all interventions simultaneously. This is based on the fact that appropriateness of additional intervention is often dependent on the outcome of the initial intervention.

Additionally, either of the following may apply:

Current literature and/or standards of medical practice support that one of the requested diagnostic or therapeutic interventions is more appropriate in the clinical situation presented; or
One of the diagnostic or therapeutic interventions requested is more likely to improve patient outcomes based on current literature and/or standards of medical practice.

Repeat Diagnostic Intervention

In general, repeated testing of the same anatomic location for the same indication should be limited to evaluation following an intervention, or when there is a change in clinical status such that additional testing is required to determine next steps in management. At times, it may be necessary to repeat a test using different techniques or protocols to clarify a finding or result of the original study.

Repeated testing for the same indication using the same or similar technology may be subject to additional review or require peer-to-peer conversation in the following scenarios:

Repeated diagnostic testing at the same facility due to technical issues
Repeated diagnostic testing requested at a different facility due to provider preference or quality concerns
Repeated diagnostic testing of the same anatomic area based on persistent symptoms with no clinical change, treatment, or intervention since the previous study
Repeated diagnostic testing of the same anatomic area by different providers for the same member over a short period of time

Repeat Therapeutic Intervention

In general, repeated therapeutic intervention in the same anatomic area is considered appropriate when the prior intervention proved effective or beneficial and the expected duration of relief has lapsed. A repeated request for a therapeutic intervention during the active authorization period for a prior request is not appropriate unless it can be confirmed that the prior intervention was never administered. Requests for ongoing services may depend on completion of previously authorized services in situations where a patient’s response to authorized services is relevant to a determination of clinical appropriateness.

Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total/Partial/Revision Shoulder Replacement)

Description and Scope

Shoulder arthroplasty includes several procedures to replace components of the shoulder joint, in part or in total, with the goal of improving function and reducing pain. Prosthetic replacement of the humeral head and the glenoid (total arthroplasty) is most commonly performed for joint damage due to osteoarthritis. Total shoulder arthroplasty requires an intact medial glenoid to support the glenoid prosthesis.

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty (partial replacement) may be used to address isolated humeral head pathology (avascular necrosis), some fractures, or as an option for rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is similar to standard arthroplasty in that both components of the joint are replaced but the ball and socket portions of the joint are reversed, allowing the deltoid muscle to assume partial function of the rotator cuff. This procedure is typically utilized when there is concomitant rotator cuff disease.

This guideline addresses shoulder arthroplasty when performed as an elective, non-emergent procedure.

All shoulder arthroplasties are inclusive of the division of, reattachment of, or relocation of any muscles and/or tendons divided for access to the shoulder, accompanying excision of osteophytes, acromioplasty, synovectomy and shoulder arthrotomy with associated removal of debris.

Clinical Indications

The following general requirements apply to all indications except where they differ from the specific requirements. The specific requirements take precedence over any stated general requirement.

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Clinical notes describing symptom duration and severity, specific functional limitations related to symptoms, and type and duration of all therapeutic measures provided. If conservative management is not appropriate, the reason must be clearly documented.

Conservative management¹ must include a combination of strategies to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and correct underlying dysfunction, including physical therapy AND at least ONE complementary conservative treatment strategy. The duration of conservative management and/or symptoms should generally be for at least 12 weeks for chronic conditions. Shorter duration of conservative management may be appropriate for severe impacts on activities of daily living (ADLs).

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance, intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Clinical reevaluation – In most cases, reevaluation should include a physical examination. Direct contact by other methods, such as telephone communication or electronic messaging, may substitute for in-person evaluation when circumstances preclude an office visit. Clinical reevaluation must be done in reasonable proximity to the anticipated date of service such that the patient’s condition would be unlikely to change by the date of service.

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Reporting symptom severity – Severity of pain and its associated impact on activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) are key factors in determining the need for intervention. For purposes of this guideline, significant pain and functional impairment refer to pain rated at least 3 in intensity (on a 0–10 scale) and associated with inability to perform ADLs and/or IADLs.

Imaging reports obtained within the past 12 months describing the degree of cartilage damage as determined by either or both of the following methods:

X-ray report or provider interpretation of x-rays that utilizes or can be correlated with the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system of osteoarthritis
MRI report from a radiologist that utilizes or can be correlated with the modified Outerbridge or similar classification system related to articular cartilage injury and osteoarthritis

See Appendix for a description of these grading systems.

For x-ray interpretation, the provider shall submit a detailed imaging description that correlates with clinical findings of the requested procedure. In the absence of a detailed description, the provider may submit a report from an independent radiologist. The results of all imaging studies should correlate with the clinical findings in support of the requested procedure.

For advanced imaging (CT, MRI, bone scan), there must be a report from a radiologist that correlates with clinical findings. In the absence of such a report, the summary findings from the radiology report should be included in the clinical records.

Imaging reports should be thorough and describe the presence or absence of subchondral cysts, subchondral sclerosis, periarticular osteophytes, joint subluxation, avascular necrosis, or bone on bone articulations. The degree of joint space narrowing should also be noted.

General Recommendations

Tobacco cessation – Adherence to a tobacco cessation program resulting in abstinence from tobacco and nicotine products for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery is strongly recommended.

Diabetes – It is strongly recommended that a patient with a history of diabetes maintain a hemoglobin A1C of 8% or less prior to surgery.

Body mass index (BMI) – It is strongly recommended that a patient with a BMI equal to or greater than 40 attempt weight reduction prior to surgery.

Where there are patient specific modifiable comorbidities that may adversely impact patient reported outcomes or the health status of the patient, a shared decision-making process to discuss these modifiable comorbidities with the patient is strongly recommended and should be documented.

Specific Requirements

ALL the following conditions must be present regardless of the indication for which the procedure is being performed:

Anticipated level of function should place limited demands on the shoulder joint
Deltoid muscle must be functioning
Shoulder joint must be anatomically and structurally suited to receive selected implants (i.e., adequate bone stock to allow for firm fixation of implant)

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Total shoulder arthroplasty is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Proximal humerus fracture not amenable to internal fixation (e.g., severe comminution, poor bone quality, multipart, displacement) or failed prior fixation
Joint reconstruction for tumors involving the shoulder girdle or surrounding soft tissues
Advanced joint disease of the shoulder due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis), or post-traumatic arthritis when ALL the following criteria are met:
- Limited range of motion or crepitus of the glenohumeral joint on physical examination
- Pain and loss of function that interferes with daily activities
- Imaging evidence of destructive degenerative joint disease as evidenced by marked joint space narrowing AND ONE or more of the following:
  - Irregular joint surfaces
  - Glenoid sclerosis
  - Osteophyte changes
  - Flattened glenoid
  - Cystic changes in the humeral head
- Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade III-IV changes)

Hemiarthroplasty

Hemiarthroplasty is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Proximal humerus fracture not amenable to internal fixation (e.g., severe comminution, poor bone quality, multipart, displacement) or failed prior fixation
Joint reconstruction for tumors involving the shoulder girdle or surrounding soft tissues Advanced joint disease of the shoulder when criteria for total shoulder arthroplasty are met AND at least ONE of the following conditions is present:
- Osteonecrosis of the humeral head without glenoid involvement
- Glenoid bone stock inadequate to support a glenoid prosthesis
- Advanced joint disease due to rotator cuff tear arthropathy*
- Glenohumeral osteoarthritis with irreparable rotator cuff tear*

*except for Exclusions listed below

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Joint reconstruction for tumors involving the shoulder girdle or surrounding soft tissues Proximal humerus fracture not amenable to internal fixation (e.g., severe comminution, poor bone quality, multipart, displacement) or failed prior fixation
Glenoid bone stock/anatomy inadequate to support an anatomic glenoid prosthesis
Failed shoulder arthroplasty with deficient rotator cuff
Imaging evidence of glenohumeral osteoarthritis with irreparable or deficient rotator cuff, pain and loss of function, and persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (unless imaging shows Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV)
Rotator cuff arthropathy, defined as having a long-standing, massive tear in the rotator cuff tendons and superior migration of the humeral head with glenohumeral osteoarthritis

Revision or Conversion of a Prior Shoulder Arthroplasty

Revision or conversion of a prior shoulder arthroplasty is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Pain and functional limitation attributable to the arthroplasty
Documented recent evaluation for prosthetic joint infection (ALL the following):
- Recent preoperative investigation using serologic testing (ESR, CRP, and/or IL-6)
- IF there are abnormal laboratory findings on serologic testing, at least ONE of the following:
  - Synovial fluid testing, such as leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures, leukocyte esterase, alpha defensin testing (Synovasure®), synovial fluid CRP, synovial fluid PCR for bacteria
  - Intraoperative plan for histopathology and/or aerobic and anaerobic tissue cultures using implant sonication for cultures or PCR
ANY of the following conditions are present:
- Reconstruction after periprosthetic joint infection with lab and clinical confirmation of infection resolution
- Implant loosening confirmed by imaging
- Substantial osteolysis of the humeral head or glenoid
- Progressive soft tissue or bone reaction including bearing surface wear or symptomatic synovitis
- Component instability (e.g., clinical instability, component malalignment, displacement of the glenoid or humeral component)
- Component failure or recall
- Periprosthetic fracture or irreducible dislocation
- Superior migration of the humeral head or rotator cuff deficiency
- Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management in the absence of any of the conditions listed above

Contraindications

All procedures listed in this guideline are contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Active infection of the joint being replaced
Active systemic bacteremia
Active skin infection or open wound at or near the surgical site
Rapidly progressive neurologic disease
Intra-articular injection or shoulder arthroscopy within 12 weeks of the planned arthroplasty procedure

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

Shoulder arthroplasty under conditions which would result in excessive stress on the implant including, but not limited to, Charcot joint and paralytic conditions of the shoulder
The use of focal resurfacing implants (e.g., Arthrosurface HemiCAP^®)
The use of shoulder implants involving the greater tuberosity (e.g., Copeland™ Extended Articulating Surface [EAS]™ Humeral Resurfacing Head, Global CAP™ CTA Resurfacing Humeral Head)

References

Al-Hadithy N, Furness N, Patel R, et al. Cementless surface replacement hemiarthroplasty for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis: results of over 5-year follow-up in patients with or without rotator cuff deficiency. Shoulder Elbow. 2015;7(4):237-43.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Diagnosis and Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections Clinical Practice Guideline (2019).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Glenohumeral Joint Osteoarthritis Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. www.aaos.org/gjocpg. Published March 23, 2020.
Ammitzboell M, Baram A, Brorson S, et al. Poor patient-reported outcome after shoulder replacement in young patients with cuff-tear arthropathy: a matched-pair analysis from the Danish Shoulder Arthroplasty Registry. Acta Orthopaedica. 2019;90(2):119-22.
Baksh N, Etcheson JI, Liu S, et al. Pre-operative corticosteroid injection within 1 month of total shoulder arthroplasty is associated with increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2023;143(9):5609–14.
Baksh N, Nadarajah V, Connors KM, et al. Does preoperative corticosteroid injection increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection after reverse shoulder arthroplasty? J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023;32(7):1459–64.
Beck S, Patsalis T, Busch A, et al. Long-Term Radiographic Changes in Stemless Press-Fit Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. Z Orthop Unfall. 2021;159(3):274-80.
Bois AJ, Knight P, Alhojailan K, et al. Clinical outcomes and complications of reverse shoulder arthroplasty used for failed prior shoulder surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JSES Int. 2020;4(1):156-68.
Carter MJ, Mikuls TR, Nayak S, Fehringer EV, Michaud K. Impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on generic and shoulder-specific health-related quality-of-life measures: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012; 94(17):e127.
Carter MJM, T. R.; Nayak, S.; Fehringer, E. V.; Michaud, K. Impact of total shoulder arthroplasty on generic and shoulder-specific health-related quality-of-life measures: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(17):e127.
Cerciello S, Corona K, Morris BJ, et al. Shoulder arthroplasty to address the sequelae of anterior instability arthropathy and stabilization procedures: systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2020;05:05.
Cho CH, Kim DH, Song KS. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Clin Orthop Surg. 2017;9(3):325-31.
Chowdhury A, Islam S, Ranaboldo T, et al. The safety of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review. Shoulder Elbow. 2024:17585732241261659.
Cooper BJ, Kesinger A, Welch GE, et al. Judicious use of corticosteroid injections prior to shoulder arthroplasty does not compromise outcomes at a minimum of 2 years following surgery. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2024;33(6S):S49–S54.
Craig RS, Goodier H, Singh JA, Hopewell S, Rees JL. Shoulder replacement surgery for osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;4(4):Cd012879.
Ernstbrunner L, Andronic O, Grubhofer F, et al. Long-term results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for rotator cuff dysfunction: a systematic review of longitudinal outcomes. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019;28(4):774-81.
Fonte H, Amorim-Barbosa T, Diniz S, et al. Shoulder Arthroplasty Options for Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis in Young and Active Patients (<60 Years Old): A Systematic Review. J Shoulder Elb Arthroplast. 2022;6:24715492221087014.
Fraser AN, Bjordal J, Wagle TM, et al. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Is Superior to Plate Fixation at 2 Years for Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in the Elderly: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020;102(6):477-85.
Iagulli ND, Field LD, Hobgood ER, et al. Surface Replacement Arthroplasty of the Humeral Head in Young, Active Patients: Midterm Results. Orthop J Sports Med. 2014;2(1):2325967113519407.
Khan WS, Longo UG, Ahrens PM, Denaro V, Maffulli N. A systematic review of the reverse shoulder replacement in rotator cuff arthropathy, rotator cuff tears, and rheumatoid arthritis. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2011;19(4):366-79.
Lemme NJ, Yang D, Lama C, et al. The effect of pre-operative shoulder injections on post-operative opioid use, infection and revision following shoulder arthroplasty. Shoulder Elbow. 2023;15(1 Suppl):87–94.
Linton A, Magruder ML, Abbaszadeh A, et al. 2025 ICM: Previous Procedures and Risk of Surgical Site Infection/Periprosthetic Joint Infection. J Arthroplasty. 2025;41(1s1):S229–s37.
Liu JN, Steinhaus ME, Garcia GH, et al. Return to sport after shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(1):100-12.
Lopiz Y, Alcobia-Diaz B, Galan-Olleros M, et al. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty versus nonoperative treatment for 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019;28(12):2259-71.
Lucenti L, Panvini FMC, de Cristo C, et al. Do Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Increase the Risk of Infection after Shoulder Arthroscopy or Shoulder Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2024;12(5):24.
Nie F, Li W. Impact of Prior Intra-articular Injections on the Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front. 2021;8:737529.
Orman S, Mohamadi A, Serino J, et al. Comparison of surgical and non-surgical treatments for 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures: A network meta-analysis. Shoulder Elbow. 2020;12(2):99-108.
Patterson DC, Chi D, Parsons BO, et al. Acromial spine fracture after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2019;28(4):792-801.
Prkic A, Peet M, Benner JL, et al. Role of Preoperative Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections on Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Hip Arthroplasty and Its Association With Preoperative Timing: A Single-Center Series of 5,909 Hips. J Arthroplasty. 2024;39(8):2100–3.
Rashid A, Kalson N, Jiwa N, et al. The effects of pre-operative intra-articular glenohumeral corticosteroid injection on infective complications after shoulder arthroplasty. Shoulder Elbow. 2015;7(3):154–6.
Rasmussen JV. Outcome and risk of revision following shoulder replacement in patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Acta Orthop Suppl. 2014;85(355):1-23.
Rasmussen JV, Hole R, Metlie T, et al. Anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty used for glenohumeral osteoarthritis has higher survival rates than hemiarthroplasty: a Nordic registry-based study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2018;26(5):659-65.
Rasmussen JV, Olsen BS, Sorensen AK, et al. Resurfacing hemiarthroplasty compared to stemmed hemiarthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis: a randomised clinical trial. Int Orthop. 2015;39(2):263-9.
Sevivas N, Ferreira N, Andrade R, et al. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2017;26(9):e265-e77.
Singh JAS, J.; Buchbinder, R.; McMaken, K. Surgery for shoulder osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010(10):CD008089.
Stadecker M, Gu A, Ramamurti P, et al. Risk of revision based on timing of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty. Bone Joint J. 2022;104-B(5):620–6.
Tang A, Almetwali O, Zak SG, et al. Do preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections affect time to total joint arthroplasty? J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021;16:49–57.
Vicenti G, Albano F, Buono C, et al. Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Intra-Articular Injection: Any Difference among Shoulder, Knee and Hip? Healthcare (Basel). 2024;12(11).
Werner BC, Cancienne JM, Burrus MT, et al. The timing of elective shoulder surgery after shoulder injection affects postoperative infection risk in Medicare patients. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2016;25(3):390–7.
Xing D, Yang Y, Ma X, et al. Dose intraarticular steroid injection increase the rate of infection in subsequent arthroplasty: grading the evidence through a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2014;9:107.
Zastrow RK, Patterson DC, Cagle PJ. Operative Management of Proximal Humerus Nonunions in Adults: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Trauma. 2020;27:27.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

Medical necessity reviews are initiated by submitting the correct AMA CPT codes. Specific CPT codes for services should be used when available. The submitted codes must accurately identify the service or procedure to be performed. If no such code exists, contact the health plan directly and report the service or procedure using the appropriate unlisted procedure or Not Otherwise Classified (NOC) code (which often ends in 99). Do not submit a code that is “close to” the procedure performed in lieu of an unlisted code. Correct coding demands that the code reported is appropriate for the service provided (i.e., a code that most accurately represents the service provided), and not a code that is similar but represents another service. (CPT® Assistant, December 2010) Nonspecific or NOC codes may be subject to additional documentation requirements and review.

CPT/HCPCS

CPT® (Current Procedural Terminology) is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association (AMA). CPT® five-digit codes, nomenclature and other data are copyright by the American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. AMA assumes no liability for the data contained herein or not contained herein.

23470	Arthroplasty, glenohumeral joint; hemiarthroplasty
23472	Arthroplasty, glenohumeral joint; total shoulder (glenoid and proximal humeral replacement (eg, total shoulder)
23473	Revision of total shoulder arthroplasty, including allograft when performed; humeral or glenoid component
23474	Revision of total shoulder arthroplasty, including allograft when performed; humeral and glenoid component

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Shoulder Arthroscopy and Open Procedures

Description and Scope

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small fiberoptic camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision. In addition to allowing the surgeon to visualize the joint, arthroscopy may also be utilized for treatment of a variety of conditions involving the joint structures.

This guideline addresses shoulder arthroscopy and open procedures when performed as an elective, non-emergent procedure and not as part of the care of an acute fracture.

All arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder are inclusive of diagnostic arthroscopy and manipulation under anesthesia. This guideline does not address endoscopic procedures that are done outside the shoulder joint capsule or the adjacent subacromial space.

All open procedures of the shoulder are inclusive of manipulation under anesthesia. Open rotator cuff repair procedures are inclusive of diagnostic arthroscopy.

Clinical Indications

The following general requirements apply to all indications except where they differ from the specific requirements. The specific requirements take precedence over any stated general requirement.

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Imaging report. The provider shall submit a detailed imaging report for studies obtained within the past 12 months. In the absence of a detailed report, the provider may submit a report from an independent radiologist. The results of all imaging studies should correlate with the clinical findings in support of the requested procedure.

For advanced imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, bone scan), there must be a report from a radiologist that correlates with clinical findings. In the absence of such a report, the summary findings from the radiology report should be included in the clinical records.

Conservative management. In most cases, a period of conservative management is appropriate prior to intervention. Conservative management¹ must include a combination of strategies to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and correct underlying dysfunction, including physical therapy AND at least ONE complementary conservative treatment strategy. The duration of conservative management and/or symptoms should generally be for at least 12 weeks for chronic conditions. Shorter duration of conservative management may be appropriate for severe impacts on activities of daily living (ADLs).

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance, intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Clinical reevaluation – In most cases, reevaluation should include a physical examination. Direct contact by other methods, such as telephone communication or electronic messaging, may substitute for in-person evaluation when circumstances preclude an office visit. Clinical reevaluation should be done in reasonable proximity to the anticipated date of service such that the patient’s condition would be unlikely to change by the date of service.

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Diagnostic arthroscopy

Diagnostic arthroscopy of the shoulder joint is considered medically necessary for synovial biopsy when ALL the following criteria are met:

Presence of ONE of the following symptoms
- Significant pain and functional limitation
- Instability (e.g., giving way, catching, clicking, locking)
- Limited range of motion
Presence of ONE of the following physical exam findings
- Limited range of motion
- Joint swelling
- Inconclusive specific diagnostic exam maneuvers
- Local muscle weakness or atrophy
Inconclusive x-ray and/or advanced imaging studies
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management. (For patients with severe ADL limitations, abbreviated treatment requirements may be acceptable)

Exclusions

Diagnostic arthroscopy for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis is considered not medically necessary.

In-office diagnostic arthroscopy (e.g., mi-eye 2®) is considered not medically necessary.

Removal of loose body

Removal of loose body is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Shoulder pain and/or grinding, catching, locking, or popping
Radiographic evidence of a loose intra-articular foreign body/implant, fracture fragment, or other distinct structure*

*When other shoulder arthroscopy codes are authorized, loose body must be larger than the size of an arthroscopy cannula (5mm) or require incision extension for removal.

Exclusion

Removal of loose body for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis is considered not medically necessary.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff repair is defined as suturing a torn rotator cuff tendon to bone.

For primary rotator cuff repair, adherence to a tobacco cessation program resulting in abstinence from tobacco and nicotine products for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery is strongly recommended.

Acute full thickness tear

Rotator cuff repair is considered medically necessary for an acute full thickness tear when ALL the following criteria are met:

Traumatic injury within the preceding 3 months with no preexisting shoulder pain (For traumatic injuries that occurred more than 3 months ago, see chronic partial or full thickness tear)
Shoulder pain ≥ 3 on the VAS scale which interferes with age-appropriate activities of daily living (ADLs)
Physical exam consistent with symptomatic rotator cuff tear (e.g., drop arm test, painful arc, full/empty can test, weakness of internal/external rotation or abduction)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating an acute full thickness or high-grade partial thickness tear

Chronic partial or full thickness tear

Rotator cuff repair is considered medically necessary for a chronic partial or full thickness tear when ALL the following criteria are met:

Atraumatic shoulder pain for at least 3 months
Shoulder pain ≥ 3 on the VAS scale which interferes with age-appropriate activities of daily living (ADLs)
Physical exam consistent with symptomatic rotator cuff tear (e.g., drop arm test, painful arc, full/empty can test, weakness of internal/external rotation or abduction)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a partial or full thickness tear
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Contraindications

Rotator cuff repair is contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Active infection of the joint
Active systemic bacteremia
Active skin infection or open wound at or near the surgical site
Rapidly progressive neurological disease

Revision Rotator Cuff Repair

Tobacco cessation requirement: adherence to a tobacco cessation program resulting in abstinence from tobacco and nicotine products for at least 6 weeks prior to revision surgery is required.

Revision rotator cuff repair

Revision rotator cuff repair is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Documentation of nicotine-free status for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery
Shoulder pain ≥ 3 on the VAS scale which interferes with age-appropriate activities of daily living (ADLs)
Physical exam consistent with symptomatic rotator cuff tear (e.g., drop arm test, painful arc, full/empty can test, weakness of internal/external rotation or abduction)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a full thickness re-tear
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Contraindications

Revision rotator cuff repair is contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Rotator cuff arthropathy, defined as having a long-standing, massive tear in the rotator cuff tendons and superior migration of the humeral head with glenohumeral osteoarthritis
Recent history of a revision rotator cuff repair
Active infection of the joint
Active systemic bacteremia
Active skin infection or open wound at or near the surgical site
Rapidly progressive neurological disease
Patient is wheelchair-bound and/or assistive-device dependent

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in rotator cuff repair and revision surgery are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

Treatment of asymptomatic, full thickness rotator cuff tears
Rotator cuff repair when there is deltoid or rotator cuff paralysis
The use of xenografts or biologic scaffold for augmentation or bridging reconstruction for treatment of rotator cuff tears
The use of platelet-rich plasma or other biologics for treatment of rotator cuff tears
The use of a subacromial balloon spacer

Labral Repair

Labral tear associated with Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior (SLAP) tear

Labral repair is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Shoulder pain ≥ 3 on the VAS scale which interferes with age-appropriate activities of daily living (ADLs)
Symptoms aggravated by heavy lifting, pushing, and overhead motion
Physical exam consistent with symptomatic SLAP tear (e.g., O’Brien (active compression) test, Anterior slide test, Biceps load test (I and II), Pain provocation test, Crank test, Jobe relocation test, Forced shoulder abduction and elbow flexion test, Resisted supination external rotation test)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrates a superior labral (SLAP) tear consistent with subjective and objective findings
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Labral tear or capsular redundancy associated with shoulder instability or laxity

Capsulorrhaphy (including labral repair) is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

History of a shoulder dislocation or recurrent subluxation
Shoulder pain and/or instability which interferes with age-appropriate activities of daily living (ADLs)
Physical exam consistent with symptomatic glenohumeral instability (e.g., apprehension, relocation, sulcus sign, load and shift)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating findings consistent with glenohumeral instability (e.g., Hill-Sachs lesion, labral tear other than superior labral tear, capsular tear, capsular redundancy with clinical multidirectional instability)
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (unless history of traumatic dislocation and multiple dislocations)*

*For traumatic instability, early surgery may be considered for individuals with large bone defects or individuals under age 35.

Other Arthroscopic and Open Procedures

Acromioclavicular arthritis

Partial claviculectomy (includes Mumford procedure) is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Pain at the acromioclavicular (AC) joint aggravated by shoulder motion
Physical exam consistent with symptomatic acromioclavicular joint (e.g., Positive cross-arm adduction test AND Tenderness over the acromioclavicular joint)
Recent imaging demonstrating acromioclavicular joint arthritis (ONE of the following)
- Moderate to severe acromioclavicular joint arthritis, distal clavicle edema, or osteolysis of the distal clavicle on MRI
- Moderate to severe acromioclavicular joint arthritis or osteolysis of the distal clavicle on x-ray
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Adhesive capsulitis

Arthroscopically assisted lysis of adhesions/capsular release and/or manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) are considered medically necessary for post-traumatic, post-surgical, or idiopathic stiffness of the shoulder when ALL the following criteria are met:

Shoulder pain ≥ 3 on the VAS scale which interferes with age-appropriate activities of daily living
Reduced passive range of motion of the affected shoulder that either is 50% less than a normal shoulder OR significantly impacts daily activities or function
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Subacromial impingement syndrome

Subacromial decompression/acromioplasty is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Symptomatic os acromiale with associated exam findings
Malunited fractures of the acromion/proximal humerus resulting in symptomatic mechanical impingement
Local benign/malignant tumor resulting in symptomatic mechanical impingement

Subacromial decompression/acromioplasty is considered not medically necessary for all other indications.

Synovectomy

Partial or complete synovectomy is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following conditions:

Diffuse synovial proliferative diseases involving the joint (e.g., inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, crystalline arthropathy such as gout or pseudogout, pigmented villonodular synovitis, septic arthritis, synovial hemangioma, synovial chondromatosis or osteochondromatosis, hemophilia)

Exclusion

A separate request for synovectomy performed for exposure or visualization, or for post-traumatic reactive synovitis is considered not medically necessary.

Debridement

Debridement of discrete structures/regions of the shoulder not covered by other repair/reconstruction procedures (e.g., glenohumeral bone/cartilage, biceps tendon, rotator cuff, subacromial space [including bursa/spurs/soft tissue], and labrum [all parts]) is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating surgical pathology
Limited debridement involves 1 or 2 discrete structures/regions
Extensive debridement involves 3 or more discrete structures/regions

Tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps

Biceps tenodesis or tenotomy is considered medically necessary for shoulder pain when ALL the following criteria are met:

Pain in the front of the shoulder and/or clicking, popping or catching sensation when using the arm and shoulder
Physical exam consistent with symptomatic long head of biceps pathology
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating biceps pathology*

*Note: If pathology of the biceps tendon is found during surgery, the surgeon may submit a request for authorization post-service. The necessity for the procedure should be well documented in the operative report and submitted in a timely manner for appropriate review and coverage.

OR ANY of the following criteria are met:

Symptomatic acute proximal complete biceps tendon tear
Criteria for SLAP tear are met

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

The use of a subacromial balloon spacer

References

Abrams GD, Gupta AK, Hussey KE, et al. Arthroscopic Repair of Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears With and Without Acromioplasty: Randomized Prospective Trial With 2-Year Follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(6):1296-303.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Management of rotator cuff injuries clinical practice guideline, (2019) Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 79 pgs.
Beard DJ, Rees JL, Cook JA, et al. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for subacromial shoulder pain (CSAW): a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel group, placebo-controlled, three-group, randomised surgical trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10118):329-38.
Brochin RL, Zastrow R, Hussey-Andersen L, et al. Revision rotator cuff repair: a systematic review. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2020;29(3):624-33.
Cai YZ, Zhang C, Lin XJ. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2015;24(12):1852-9.
Castricini R, Familiari F, De Gori M, et al. Tenodesis is not superior to tenotomy in the treatment of the long head of biceps tendon lesions. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(1):169-75.
Cheng C, Chen B, Xu H, et al. Efficacy of concomitant acromioplasty in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE [Electronic Resource]. 2018;13(11):e0207306.
Davey MS, Kaar K. Clinical outcomes at medium-term follow-up of sub-acromial balloon spacer insertion in the operative management of massive rotator cuff tears. Ir J Med Sci. 2022;191(4):1687-91.
Davies A, Singh P, Reilly P, Sabharwal S, Malhas A. Superior capsule reconstruction, partial cuff repair, graft interposition, arthroscopic debridement or balloon spacers for large and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2022;17(1):552.
de Andrade ALL, Garcia TA, Brandao HS, et al. Benefits of Patch Augmentation on Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Orthop J Sports Med. 2022;10(3):23259671211071146.
Diercks R, Bron C, Dorrestijn O, et al. Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of subacromial pain syndrome: a multidisciplinary review by the Dutch Orthopaedic Association. Acta Orthopaedica. 2014;85(3):314-22.
Dong W, Goost H, Lin XB, et al. Treatments for shoulder impingement syndrome: a PRISMA systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2015;94(10):e510.
Farfaras S, Sernert N, Rostgard Christensen L, et al. Subacromial Decompression Yields a Better Clinical Outcome Than Therapy Alone: A Prospective Randomized Study of Patients With a Minimum 10-Year Follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(6):1397-407.
Frantz TL, Shacklett AG, Martin AS, et al. Biceps Tenodesis for Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior Tear in the Overhead Athlete: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med. 2020:363546520921177.
Gartsman GM, O’Connor D P. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a prospective, randomized study of one-year outcomes. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2004;13(4):424-6.
Ge H, Zhang Q, Sun Y, et al. Tenotomy or tenodesis for the long head of biceps lesions in shoulders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE [Electronic Resource]. 2015;10(3):e0121286.
Gebremariam L, Hay EM, Koes BW, Huisstede BM. Effectiveness of surgical and postsurgical interventions for the subacromial impingement syndrome: a systematic review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2011;92(11):1900-13.
Gurnani N, van Deurzen DF, Janmaat VT, et al. Tenotomy or tenodesis for pathology of the long head of the biceps brachii: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(12):3765-71.
Haahr JP, Østergaard S, Dalsgaard J, et al. Exercises versus arthroscopic decompression in patients with subacromial impingement: a randomised, controlled study in 90 cases with a one year follow up. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005;64(5):760-4.
Han C, Na Y, Zhu Y, et al. Is platelet-rich plasma an ideal biomaterial for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2019;14(1):183.
Hao Q, Devji T, Zeraatkar D, et al. Minimal important differences for improvement in shoulder condition patient-reported outcomes: a systematic review to inform a BMJ Rapid Recommendation. BMJ open. 2019.
Harris JD, Griesser MJ, Jones GL. Systematic review of the surgical treatment for symptomatic os acromiale. Int J Shoulder Surg. 2011;5(1):9-16.
Hughes JD, Davis B, Whicker E, Sprowls GR, Barrera L, Baradaran A, Sabzevari S, Burnham JM, Shah AA, Lin A. Nonarthroplasty options for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears have improvement in range of motion and patient-reported outcomes at short-term follow-up: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022;16:16.
Huisstede BM, Koes BW, Gebremariam L, Keijsers E, Verhaar JA. Current evidence for effectiveness of interventions to treat rotator cuff tears. Man Ther. 2011;16(3):217-30.
Hurley ET, Crook BS, Danilkowicz RM, et al. Acellular Collagen Matrix Patch Augmentation of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Reduces Re-Tear Rates: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials. Arthroscopy. 2023;08:08.
Itoi E. Rotator cuff tear: physical examination and conservative treatment. J Orthop Sci. 2013;18(2):197-204.
Jain NB, Ayers GD, Fan R, et al. Comparative Effectiveness of Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Propensity Score Analysis From the ROW Cohort. Am J Sports Med. 2019;47(13):3065-72.
Jain SR, Sayampanathan AA, Hwee Chye Tan A. Arthroscopic management of posterior instability of the shoulder: A systematic review of predictive factors associated with poorer surgical outcomes. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2017;25(3):2309499017743102.
Jin H, Deng Z, Sun J, et al. Surgical management for massive rotator cuff tears: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Burns Trauma. 2024;12:tkad052.
Johns WL, Ailaney N, Lacy K, et al. Implantable Subacromial Balloon Spacers in Patients With Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review of Clinical, Biomechanical, and Financial Implications. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2020;2(6):e855-e72.
Karjalainen TV, Jain NB, Page CM, Lähdeoja TA, Johnston RV, Salamh P, Kavaja L, Ardern CL, Agarwal A, Vandvik PO, Buchbinder R. Subacromial decompression surgery for rotator cuff disease. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;1(1):Cd005619.
Ketola S, Lehtinen JT, Arnala I. Arthroscopic decompression not recommended in the treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy: a final review of a randomised controlled trial at a minimum follow-up of ten years. Bone Joint J. 2017;99-B(6):799-805.
Kolk A, Thomassen BJW, Hund H, et al. Does acromioplasty result in favorable clinical and radiologic outcomes in the management of chronic subacromial pain syndrome? A double-blinded randomized clinical trial with 9 to 14 years’ follow-up. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2017;26(8):1407-15.
Lähdeoja T, Karjalainen T, Jokihaara J, Salamh P, Kavaja L, Agarwal A, Winters M, Buchbinder R, Guyatt G, Vandvik PO, Ardern CL. Subacromial decompression surgery for adults with shoulder pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2020;54(11):665-73.
Leroux T, Chahal J, Wasserstein D, et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing Clinical Outcomes After Concurrent Rotator Cuff Repair and Long Head Biceps Tenodesis or Tenotomy. Sports health. 2015;7(4):303-7.
Li Y, Zhao L, Zhu L, Li J, Chen A. Internal fixation versus nonoperative treatment for displaced 3-part or 4-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PloS one. 2013;8(9):e75464.
Liu F, Dong J, Kang Q, et al. Subacromial balloon spacer implantation for patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears achieves satisfactory clinical outcomes in the short and middle of follow-up period: a meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2021;29(1):143-53.
MacDonald P, McRae S, Leiter J, et al. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without acromioplasty in the treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2011;93(21):1953-60.
Maillot C, Martellotto A, Demezon H, et al. Multiple Treatment Comparisons for Large and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: A Network Meta-analysis. Clin J Sport Med. 2021;31(6):501-8.
Mao F, Zhang DH, Peng XC, Liao Y. Comparison of Surgical versus Non-Surgical Treatment of Displaced 3- and 4-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus: A Meta-Analysis. J Invest Surg. 2015;28(4):215-24.
McMillan S, Chhabra A, Hassebrock JD, et al. Risks and Complications Associated With Intra-articular Arthroscopy of the Knee and Shoulder in an Office Setting. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019;7(9):2325967119869846.
Memon M, Kay J, Ginsberg L, et al. Arthroscopic management of suprascapular neuropathy of the shoulder improves pain and functional outcomes with minimal complication rates. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(1):240-66.
Memon M, Kay J, Simunovic N, et al. Arthroscopic management of snapping scapula syndrome improves pain and functional outcomes, although a high rate of residual symptoms has been reported. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(1):221-39.
Metcalfe A, Parsons H, Parsons N, et al. Subacromial balloon spacer for irreparable rotator cuff tears of the shoulder (START:REACTS): a group-sequential, double-blind, multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2022;399(10339):1954-63.
Milano G, Grasso A, Salvatore M, et al. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without subacromial decompression: a prospective randomized study. Arthroscopy. 2007;23(1):81-8.
Orman S, Mohamadi A, Serino J, et al. Comparison of surgical and non-surgical treatments for 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures: A network meta-analysis. Shoulder Elbow. 2020;12(2):99-108.
Orozco E, Dhillon J, Keeter C, et al. Rotator Cuff Repair With Patch Augmentation Is Associated With Lower Retear Rates for Large Tears: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arthroscopy. 2023;19:19.
Purnell JA, Bourget-Murray J, Kwapisz A, et al. Clinical results and complications following surgical management of symptomatic os acromiale: a systematic review. J Orthop Surg Res. 2019;14(1):26.
Ruiz Iban MA, Garcia Navlet M, Moros Marco S, et al. Augmentation of a Transosseous-Equivalent Repair in Posterosuperior Nonacute Rotator Cuff Tears With a Bioinductive Collagen Implant Decreases the Retear Rate at One Year: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthroscopy. 2023;28:28.
Saltychev M, Virolainen P, Laimi K. Conservative treatment or surgery for shoulder impingement: updated meta-analysis. Disability and rehabilitation. 2020;42(11):1634-5.
Saltzman BM, Jain A, Campbell KA, et al. Does the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma at the Time of Surgery Improve Clinical Outcomes in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair When Compared With Control Cohorts? A Systematic Review of Meta-analyses. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(5):906-18.
Shang X, Chen J, Chen S. A meta-analysis comparing tenotomy and tenodesis for treating rotator cuff tears combined with long head of the biceps tendon lesions. PloS one. 2017;12(10):e0185788(e0185788).
Shin SJ, Oh JH, Chung SW, et al. The efficacy of acromioplasty in the arthroscopic repair of small- to medium-sized rotator cuff tears without acromial spur: prospective comparative study. Arthroscopy. 2012;28(5):628-35.
Singh JAS, J.; Buchbinder, R.; McMaken, K. Surgery for shoulder osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010(10):CD008089.
Snow M, Kuiper JH, James S, et al. A pilot randomised controlled trial assessing standard versus dermal patch-augmented rotator cuff repair found no adverse effects and suggest future trials need a minimum of 150 patients. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2023;31(7):2654-61.
Song L, Miao L, Zhang P, Wang WL. Does concomitant acromioplasty facilitate arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears? A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials. SpringerPlus. 2016;5(1):685.
Sun Z, Fu W, Tang X, Chen G, Li J. Systematic review and Meta-analysis on acromioplasty in arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Acta Orthop Belg. 2018;84(1):54-61.
Toliopoulos P, Desmeules F, Boudreault J, et al. Efficacy of surgery for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review. Clin Rheumatol. 2014;33(10):1373-83.
Vandvik PO, Lähdeoja T, Ardern C, Buchbinder R, Moro J, Brox JI, Burgers J, Hao Q, Karjalainen T, van den Bekerom M, Noorduyn J, Lytvyn L, Siemieniuk RAC, Albin A, Shunjie SC, Fisch F, Proulx L, Guyatt G, Agoritsas T, Poolman RW. Subacromial decompression surgery for adults with shoulder pain: a clinical practice guideline. BMJ. 2019;364:l294.
Verma N, Srikumaran U, Roden CM, et al. InSpace Implant Compared with Partial Repair for the Treatment of Full-Thickness Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: A Multicenter, Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2022;104(14):1250-62.
Wang C, Xu M, Guo W, et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma in arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repair: A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE [Electronic Resource]. 2019;14(7):e0220392.
Weber S, Chahal J. Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2020;28(5):e193-e201.
Williams BT, Beletsky A, Kunze KN, et al. Outcomes and Survivorship After Arthroscopic Treatment of Glenohumeral Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2020;36(7):2010-21.
Yapp LZ, Nicholson JA, Robinson CM. Primary Arthroscopic Stabilization for a First-Time Anterior Dislocation of the Shoulder: Long-Term Follow-up of a Randomized, Double-Blinded Trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2020;102(6):460-7.
Zastrow RK, Patterson DC, Cagle PJ. Operative Management of Proximal Humerus Nonunions in Adults: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Trauma. 2020;27:27.
Zhang K, Crum RJ, Samuelsson K, et al. In-Office Needle Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Indications and Clinical Utility. Arthroscopy. 2019;35(9):2709-21.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

CPT/HCPCS

23000	Removal of subdeltoid calcareous deposit
23020	Capsular contracture release (eg, Sever type procedure)
23105	Arthrotomy; glenohumeral joint, with synovectomy, with or without biopsy
23107	Arthrotomy, glenohumeral joint, with joint exploration, with or without removal of loose or foreign body
23120	Claviculectomy; partial
23130	Acromioplasty or acromionectomy, partial, with or without coracoacromial ligament release
23410	Repair of ruptured musculotendinous cuff (eg, rotator cuff) open; acute
23412	Repair of ruptured musculotendinous cuff (eg, rotator cuff) open; chronic
23415	Coracoacromial ligament release, with or without acromioplasty
23420	Reconstruction of complete shoulder (rotator) cuff avulsion, chronic (includes acromioplasty)
23430	Tenodesis of long tendon of biceps
23440	Resection or transplantation of long tendon of biceps
23450	Capsulorrhaphy, anterior; Putti-Platt procedure or Magnuson-type operation
23455	Capsulorrhaphy, anterior; with labral repair (eg, Bankart procedure)
23460	Capsulorrhaphy, anterior, any type; with bone block
23462	Capsulorrhaphy, anterior, any type; with coracoid process transfer
23465	Capsulorrhaphy, glenohumeral joint, posterior, with or without bone block
23466	Capsulorrhaphy, glenohumeral joint, any type multidirectional instability
23700	Manipulation under anesthesia, shoulder joint, including application of fixation apparatus (dislocation excluded)
29805	Arthroscopy, shoulder, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy (separate procedure)
29806	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; capsulorrhaphy
29807	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; repair of SLAP lesion
29819	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body
29820	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; synovectomy, partial
29821	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; synovectomy, complete
29822	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, limited, 1 or 2 discrete structures (eg, humeral bone, humeral articular cartilage, glenoid bone, glenoid articular cartilage, biceps tendon, biceps anchor complex, labrum, articular capsule, articular side of the rotator cuff, bursal side of the rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, foreign body[ies])
29823	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; debridement, extensive, 3 or more discrete structures (eg, humeral bone, humeral articular cartilage, glenoid bone, glenoid articular cartilage, biceps tendon, biceps anchor complex, labrum, articular capsule, articular side of the rotator cuff, bursal side of the rotator cuff, subacromial bursa, foreign body[ies])
29824	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; distal claviculectomy including distal articular surface
29825	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with lysis and resection of adhesions, with or without manipulation
29826	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; decompression of subacromial space with partial acromioplasty, with coracoacromial ligament (i.e., arch) release, when performed (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
29827	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with rotator cuff repair
29828	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; biceps tenodesis
C9781	Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with implantation of subacromial spacer (e.g., balloon), includes debridement (e.g., limited or extensive), subacromial decompression, acromioplasty, and biceps tenodesis when performed

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Hip Arthroplasty (Total/Partial/Revision Hip Replacement, Acetabuloplasty, Resection Arthroplasty)

Description and Scope

Total hip arthroplasty (THA), also referred to as total hip replacement (THR), involves removal of the femoral head and acetabulum and placement of a prosthesis anchored to the bone. Numerous implants composed of various biomaterials have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in hip arthroplasty. The goal of the procedure is long-term pain relief and restoration of function. All arthroplasty and acetabuloplasty/resection arthroplasty procedures are inclusive of synovectomy, removal of osteophytes, removal of loose bodies, manipulation of the hip, and release or repair of structures to gain entrance to the hip joint.

Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, is the most common condition leading to the need for total hip arthroplasty. Other conditions that may also cause significant hip joint damage include neoplasm, femoral fracture, avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis), inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and developmental hip dysplasia.

This guideline addresses hip arthroplasty when performed as an elective, non-emergent procedure.

This guideline does not address pelvic osteotomies that are done for hip reconstructive procedures.

Clinical Indications

The following general requirements apply to all indications except where they differ from the specific requirements. The specific requirements take precedence over any stated general requirement.

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance, intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Imaging reports obtained within the past 12 months describing the degree of cartilage damage as determined by either or both of the following methods:

X-ray report or provider interpretation of x-rays that utilizes or can be correlated with the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system of osteoarthritis
MRI report from a radiologist that utilizes or can be correlated with the modified Outerbridge or similar classification system related to articular cartilage injury and osteoarthritis

See Appendix for a description of these grading systems.

General Recommendations

Tobacco cessation – Adherence to a tobacco cessation program resulting in abstinence from tobacco and nicotine products for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery is strongly recommended.

Diabetes – It is strongly recommended that a patient with a history of diabetes maintain a hemoglobin A1C of 8% or less prior to surgery.

Body mass index (BMI) – It is strongly recommended that a patient with a BMI equal to or greater than 40 attempt weight reduction prior to surgery.

Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty or conversion of a previous intra-articular or implant hip surgery to a total hip arthroplasty is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Joint reconstruction for tumors involving the hip or surrounding soft tissues
Hip fracture not amenable to internal fixation or failed prior fixation
Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) with severe pain unresponsive to conservative management
Symptomatic hip arthrodesis
Joint damage or destruction due to osteoarthritis, inflammatory disease, or other chronic condition when ALL the following criteria have been met:
- Functional limitation secondary to hip pathology which interferes with the ability to perform age-appropriate daily activities (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV, or Tönnis grade 3)
- Imaging evidence of significant joint destruction and cartilage loss, defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3–4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade III–IV, or Tönnis grade 2–3
- Physical exam consistent with symptomatic hip arthritis (e.g., pain with passive motion of the hip, antalgic gait, limited motion) unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV, or Tönnis grade 3
- Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV, or Tönnis grade 3)

Partial Hip Arthroplasty

Partial hip arthroplasty (e.g., unipolar, bipolar, hemiarthroplasty) is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Femoral neck fracture not amenable to internal fixation or failed prior fixation
Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) of the femoral head without acetabular involvement, with severe pain unresponsive to conservative management
Joint damage or destruction due to osteoarthritis, inflammatory disease, or other chronic condition when ALL the following criteria have been met:
- Functional limitation secondary to hip pathology which interferes with the ability to perform age-appropriate daily activities (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV, or Tönnis grade 3)
- Imaging evidence of significant joint destruction and cartilage loss, defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3–4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade III–IV, or Tönnis grade 2–3
- Physical exam consistent with symptomatic hip arthritis (e.g., pain with passive motion of the hip, antalgic gait, limited motion) unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV, or Tönnis grade 3
- Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4, diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV, or Tönnis grade 3)

Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Active, fit individual
Normal proximal femoral bone geometry and bone quality
EITHER of the following conditions are met:
- IF being done for avascular necrosis of the femoral head, must involve less than 50% of the femoral head
- Otherwise eligible for a conventional total hip arthroplasty

Contraindications

Hip resurfacing is contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Advanced age
Severe osteoporosis
Renal insufficiency
Known metal hypersensitivity
Inadequate bone stock to support the femoral implant
Femoral neck or head cysts
Severe hip dysplasia
Small or bone-deficient acetabulum

Revision or Conversion of a Prior Hip Arthroplasty

Revision or conversion of a prior hip arthroplasty is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Pain and functional limitation attributable to the arthroplasty
Documented recent evaluation for prosthetic joint infection:
- Recent preoperative investigation using serologic testing (ESR, CRP, and/or IL-6) and
- IF there are abnormal laboratory findings on serologic testing, at least ONE of the following:
  - Synovial fluid testing, such as leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures, leukocyte esterase, alpha defensin testing (Synovasure®), synovial fluid CRP, synovial fluid PCR for bacteria
  - Intraoperative plan for histopathology and/or aerobic and anaerobic tissue cultures using implant sonication for cultures or PCR
ANY of the following conditions are present:
- Reconstruction after periprosthetic joint infection with lab and clinical confirmation of infection resolution
- Implant loosening confirmed by imaging
- Substantial osteolysis of the femur or acetabulum
- Progressive soft tissue or bone reaction including bearing surface wear or symptomatic synovitis
- Component instability (e.g., clinical instability, component malalignment, displacement of the acetabular or femoral component)
- Component failure or recall
- Periprosthetic fracture or irreducible dislocation
- Metal-on-metal implant with labs demonstrating EITHER of the following:
  - An elevated synovial cobalt level
  - An elevated serum cobalt/chromium level
- Persistent symptoms (e.g., pain, antalgic or Trendelenburg gait, leg length inequality, audible noise) despite 12 weeks of conservative management in the absence of any of the conditions listed above

Acetabuloplasty (Whitman, Colonna, Haygroves, or cup type)*

Acetabuloplasty is considered medically necessary when ANY of the following are present:

Acetabular arthritis where there is planned removal of articular cartilage and replacement with interposition tissue
Hip instability due to a structurally deficient acetabulum where acetabular augmentation is planned (e.g., shelf acetabuloplasty)

*See Code section for applicable CPT code 27120.

Resection Arthroplasty of the Hip

Resection arthroplasty of the hip, femoral head ostectomy, or Girdlestone resection arthroplasty is considered medically necessary when ANY of the following are present:

Painful stiff hip after infection (tuberculosis of the hip or otherwise)
Peri-prosthetic infection
Aseptic loosening of the hip
Recurrent dislocation of the hip
Failed internal fixation of a femoral neck fracture
Unsalvageable failed hip replacement
Chronic painful hip dislocation

Contraindications

Total and partial hip arthroplasty are contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Active infection of the joint being replaced
Active systemic infection
Active skin infection or open wound at or near the surgical site
Rapidly progressive neurological disease
Neuropathic joint
Intra-articular injection or hip arthroscopy within 12 weeks of the planned arthroplasty procedure

Exclusions

Indications for total hip arthroplasty, partial hip arthroplasty, total hip resurfacing, and partial hip resurfacing other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary.

References

Albanese J, Feltri P, Boffa A, et al. Infection Risk Increases After Total Hip Arthroplasty Within 3 Months Following Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injection. A Meta-Analysis on Knee and Hip Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2023;38(6):1184–93.e2.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Diagnosis and Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections Clinical Practice Guideline (2019).
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hip Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. aaos.org/oahcpg2 Published 12/01/2023 2023. Available from: https://www.aaos.org/globalassets/quality-and-practice-resources/osteoarthritis-of-the-hip/oah-cpg.pdf.
An VVG, Phan K, Sivakumar BS, et al. Prior Lumbar Spinal Fusion is Associated With an Increased Risk of Dislocation and Revision in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis. J Arthroplasty. 2018;33(1):297-300.
Ando W, Sakai T, Fukushima W, et al. Japanese Orthopaedic Association 2019 Guidelines for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. J Orthop Sci. 2021;26(1):46-68.
Avila A, Do MT, Acuna AJ, et al. How do pre-operative intra-articular injections impact periprosthetic joint infection risk following primary total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2022;12:12.
Chambers AW, Lacy KW, Liow MHL, et al. Multiple Hip Intra-Articular Steroid Injections Increase Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Compared With Single Injections. J Arthroplasty. 2017;32(6):1980–3.
Cheok T, Jennings M, Aprato A, et al. Safety of intraarticular corticosteroid injection preceding hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis amid resolving COVID-19 arthroplasty restrictions. J Hip Preserv Surg. 2021;8(3):215-24.
Clarke A, Pulikottil-Jacob R, Grove A, et al. Total hip replacement and surface replacement for the treatment of pain and disability resulting from end-stage arthritis of the hip (review of technology appraisal guidance 2 and 44): systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2015;19(10):1-668, vii-viii.
Colen S, Hoorntje A, Maeckelbergh L, et al. Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid Injections Less Than 6 Months Before Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is It Safe? A Retrospective Cohort Study in 565 Patients. J Arthroplasty. 2021;36(3):1003–8.
Eethakota VVS, Vaishnav V, Johnston L, et al. Comparison of revision risks and complication rates between total HIP replacement and HIP resurfacing within the similar age group. Surgeon. 2018;16(6):339-49.
Forlenza EM, Burnett RA, Korrapati AB, et al. Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Demonstrate a Temporal and Dose-Dependent Relationship with the Rate of Postoperative Infection Following Total Hip Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2021;36(6):2033–7.e1.
Guo J, Dou D. Influence of prior hip arthroscopy on outcomes after hip arthroplasty: A meta-analysis of matched control studies. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(29):e21246.
Hagel A, Siekmann H, Delank KS. Periprosthetic femoral fracture – an interdisciplinary challenge. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2014;111(39):658-64.
Hellman MD, Ford MC, Barrack RL. Is there evidence to support an indication for surface replacement arthroplasty?: a systematic review. Bone Joint J. 2019;101-B(1_Supple_A):32-40.
Hersnaes PN, Gromov K, Otte KS, et al. Harris Hip Score and SF-36 following metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing – a randomized controlled trial with 5-years follow up including 75 patients. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021;22(1):781.
Huang L, Xu T, Li P, et al. Comparison of mortality and complications between bilateral simultaneous and staged total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(39):e16774.
Jiang Y, Zhang K, Die J, et al. A systematic review of modern metal-on-metal total hip resurfacing vs standard total hip arthroplasty in active young patients. J Arthroplasty. 2011;26(3):419-26.
Konan S, Waugh C, Ohly N, et al. Mid-term results of a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing large-head metal-on-metal hip replacement to hip resurfacing using patient-reported outcome measures and objective functional task-based outcomes. Hip International. 2020:1120700020919671.
Kostretzis L, Lavigne M, Kiss MO, et al. Despite higher revision rate, MoM large-head THA offers better clinical scores than HR: 14-year results from a randomized controlled trial involving 48 patients. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021;22(1):400.
Lai Q, Cai K, Lin T, et al. Prior Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection Within 3 Months May Increase the Risk of Deep Infection in Subsequent Joint Arthroplasty: A Meta-analysis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2022;480(5):971-9.
Linton A, Magruder ML, Abbaszadeh A, et al. 2025 ICM: Previous Procedures and Risk of Surgical Site Infection/Periprosthetic Joint Infection. J Arthroplasty. 2025;41(1s1):S229–s37.
Marshall DA, Pykerman K, Werle J, et al. Hip resurfacing versus total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review comparing standardized outcomes. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2014;472(7):2217-30.
Metz AK, Rainey JP, Blackburn BE, et al. Limited Satisfaction and Increased Risk With Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in Patients Who Have Hip Osteoarthritis Needing Total Hip Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2025;40(8S1):S68–S71.e1.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Hip fracture: management. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2023 Jan 6. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 124.) Available from: nice.org.uk.
Nelson AE, Allen KD, Golightly YM, Goode AP, Jordan JM. A systematic review of recommendations and guidelines for the management of osteoarthritis: The chronic osteoarthritis management initiative of the U.S. bone and joint initiative. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2014;43(6):701-12.
Neuprez A, Neuprez AH, Kaux JF, et al. Early Clinically Relevant Improvement in Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes 1 Year Postsurgery in Patients with Knee and Hip Joint Arthroplasties. Cartilage. 2018;9(2):127-39.
Nie F, Li W. Impact of Prior Intra-articular Injections on the Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front. 2021;8:737529.
Pozzobon D, Ferreira PH, Blyth FM, et al. Can obesity and physical activity predict outcomes of elective knee or hip surgery due to osteoarthritis? A meta-analysis of cohort studies. BMJ open. 2018;8(2):e017689.
Prkic A, Peet M, Benner JL, et al. Role of Preoperative Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections on Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Hip Arthroplasty and Its Association With Preoperative Timing: A Single-Center Series of 5,909 Hips. J Arthroplasty. 2024;39(8):2100–3.
Rainey JP, Taylor AJ, Radtke LE, et al. Special Considerations Before Total Hip Arthroplasty for Rapidly Progressive Osteoarthritis With a Recent Corticosteroid Injection. J Arthroplasty. 2025;40(8S1):S108–S14.
Raymond HE, Barbera JP, Shah KC, et al. Risk of Infection After Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty After Receipt of Multiple Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2023;31(19):e868–e75.
Roth A, Beckmann J, Bohndorf K, et al. S3-Guideline non-traumatic adult femoral head necrosis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2016;136(2):165-74.
Saracco M, Ciriello V, D’Angelo F, et al. Do prior intra-articular injections impact on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty? A meta-analysis of the current evidences with a focus on the timing of injection before surgery. EFORT Open Rev. 2023;8(6):459–67.
Schairer WW, Nwachukwu BU, Mayman DJ, et al. Preoperative Hip Injections Increase the Rate of Periprosthetic Infection After Total Hip Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2016;31(9 Suppl):166–9.e1.
Smith TO, Nichols R, Donell ST, et al. The clinical and radiological outcomes of hip resurfacing versus total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Orthopaedica. 2010;81(6):684-95.
Springer BD, Connelly SE, Odum SM, et al. Cementless femoral components in young patients: review and meta-analysis of total hip arthroplasty and hip resurfacing. J Arthroplasty. 2009;24(6 Suppl):2-8
Streck LE, Braun S, Spilo K, et al. How safe are intra-articular corticosteroid injections to the hip? BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023;24(1):665.
Tang A, Almetwali O, Zak SG, et al. Do preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections affect time to total joint arthroplasty? J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021;16:49–57.
Vendittoli PA, Shahin M, Riviere C, et al. Ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty is superior to metal-on-conventional polyethylene at 20-year follow-up: A randomised clinical trial. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2021;107(1):102744.
Vicenti G, Albano F, Buono C, et al. Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Intra-Articular Injection: Any Difference among Shoulder, Knee and Hip? Healthcare (Basel). 2024;12(11).
Werner BC, Cancienne JM, Browne JA. The Timing of Total Hip Arthroplasty After Intraarticular Hip Injection Affects Postoperative Infection Risk. J Arthroplasty. 2016;31(4):820–3.
Xing D, Yang Y, Ma X, et al. Dose intraarticular steroid injection increase the rate of infection in subsequent arthroplasty: grading the evidence through a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2014;9:107.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

CPT/HCPCS

27120	Acetabuloplasty; (eg, Whitman, Colonna, Haygroves, or cup type)
27122	Acetabuloplasty; resection, femoral head (eg, Girdlestone procedure)
27125	Hemiarthroplasty, hip, partial (eg, femoral stem prosthesis, bipolar arthroplasty)
27130	Arthroplasty, acetabular and proximal femoral prosthetic replacement (total hip arthroplasty), with or without autograft or allograft
27132	Conversion of previous hip surgery to total hip arthroplasty, with or without autograft or allograft
27134	Revision of total hip arthroplasty; both components, with or without autograft or allograft
27137	Revision of total hip arthroplasty; acetabular component only, with or without autograft or allograft
27138	Revision of total hip arthroplasty; femoral component only, with or without allograft
S2118	Metal-on-metal total hip resurfacing, including acetabular and femoral components

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Hip Arthroscopy

Description and Scope

Hip arthroscopy is most often utilized in diagnosing and treating conditions of the joint space which impede normal function and result in pain and disability. A more recent application of this procedure is treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS), a condition of the hip in which the acetabular rim of the pelvis articulates abnormally with the femoral head. Over time, contact may result in damage to joint cartilage, potentially leading to degenerative joint disease. Hip arthroscopy has also been applied to the treatment of symptomatic labral tears not associated with advanced arthritis of the hip joint.

Surgical treatment of FAIS and/or labral tears may involve an open approach, arthroscopic surgery, or a combination of the two. The surgical treatment of FAIS and labral tears is inclusive of the management of any chondral or soft tissue debridement that is done. It is also inclusive of diagnostic hip arthroscopy. FAIS surgery includes the following components: labral repair, acetabuloplasty, and femoroplasty. Endoscopic procedures that are extra-articular are not addressed by these guidelines.

This guideline addresses hip arthroscopy when performed as an elective, non-emergent procedure and not as part of the care of an acute fracture. It does not address labral reconstructions, capsular plications, or endoscopic procedures done outside of the hip capsule.

Clinical Indications

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Imaging report. The provider shall submit a detailed imaging report for studies obtained within the past 12 months that correlates with clinical findings of the requested procedure. In the absence of a detailed report, the provider will be required to submit a report from an independent radiologist. The results of all imaging studies should correlate with the clinical findings in support of the requested procedure.

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance, intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Table 1. Quantification of Hip Radiographic Measurements

Measurement, range	Description
Sharp (acetabular) angle
33° – 38°	Normal
< 32°	Insignificant
39° – 42°	Borderline
> 42°	Dysplastic
Tönnis angle
0° to 10°	Normal
>10°	Acetabular dysplasia
≤ 10°	Pincer lesion
Lateral center-edge angle (CEA) of Wiberg
22°-40°	Normal
< 20°	Dysplastic
≥ 20° and ≤ 25°	Borderline dysplastic
≥ 40°	Overcovered
Arthritis
< 2 mm joint space	Indicative of arthritis best managed non arthroscopically
Alpha angle
< 55°	Normal
> 55°	Cam femoroacetabular impingement

Mannava S, Geeslin AG, Frangiamore SJ, et al. Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation of Femoroacetabular Impingement: Part 2, Plain Radiography. Arthrosc Tech. 2017;6(5):e2003-e2009.

Hip Arthroscopy

See Table 1 for Quantification of Hip Radiographic Measurements.

Diagnostic arthroscopy

Diagnostic arthroscopy of the hip joint is considered medically necessary for synovial biopsy when ALL the following criteria are met:

Presence of ONE of the following symptoms
- Significant pain and functional limitation
- Instability (e.g., giving way, catching, clicking, locking)
- Limited range of motion
Presence of ONE of the following physical exam findings
- Limited range of motion
- Joint swelling
- Inconclusive specific diagnostic exam maneuvers
- Local muscle weakness or atrophy
Inconclusive x-ray and/or advanced imaging studies
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management. (For patients with severe ADL limitations, abbreviated treatment requirements may be acceptable)

Exclusions

Diagnostic arthroscopy for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis is considered not medically necessary.

In-office diagnostic arthroscopy (e.g., mi-eye 2^®) is considered not medically necessary.

Non-intraarticular hip procedures are considered not medically necessary.

Synovectomy

Synovectomy is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following conditions:

Diffuse synovial proliferative diseases involving the joint (e.g., inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, crystalline arthropathy such as gout or pseudogout, pigmented villonodular synovitis, septic arthritis, synovial hemangioma, synovial chondromatosis/osteochondromatosis, hemophilia)

Exclusion

A separate request for synovectomy performed for exposure or visualization, or for post-traumatic reactive synovitis is considered not medically necessary.

Removal of loose body

Removal of loose body is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Hip pain and/or grinding, catching, locking, or popping
Radiographic evidence of a loose intra-articular foreign body/implant, fracture fragment, or other distinct structure*

*When other hip arthroscopy codes are authorized, loose body must be larger than the size of an arthroscopy cannula (5mm) or require incision extension for removal.

Exclusion

Removal of loose body for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis is considered not medically necessary.

Arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS)

Capsular plication, capsular repair, labral reconstruction, iliotibial band windowing, trochanteric bursectomy, abductor muscle repair, and/or iliopsoas tenotomy, when performed at the time of any FAIS surgery, would be considered a component of and incidental to the FAIS procedure.

Acetabuloplasty is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Moderate to severe hip pain (primarily in the groin) worsened by flexion activities (e.g., squatting or prolonged sitting) that interferes with activities of daily living and is not explained by another diagnosis
Physical exam consistent with FAIS (e.g., positive impingement sign on clinical examination, defined as pain elicited with 90 degrees of flexion and internal rotation and adduction of the femur OR with extension and external rotation)
Recent imaging (radiographs, MRI, or 3D computed tomography) demonstrating pincer impingement as evidenced by ANY of the following:
- Lateral center-edge angle (CEA) of Wiberg ≥ 40 degrees
- Coxa profunda or protrusion – acetabular fossa medial to ilioischial line
- Posterior wall sign – cross-over sign
No evidence of advanced osteoarthritis, defined as Tönnis grade ≥ 2, or joint space < 2 mm
No evidence of severe (diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV) chondral damage
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management, including avoidance of hip stretching or any activity that elicits or aggravates symptoms

Femoroplasty is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Moderate to severe hip pain (primarily in the groin) worsened by flexion activities (e.g., squatting or prolonged sitting) that interferes with activities of daily living and is not explained by another diagnosis
Physical exam consistent with FAIS (e.g., positive impingement sign on clinical examination, defined as pain elicited with 90 degrees of flexion and internal rotation and adduction of the femur OR with extension and external rotation)
Recent imaging (radiographs, MRI, or 3D computed tomography) demonstrating cam impingement as evidenced by ANY of the following:
- Pistol-grip deformity
- Reduced femoral head-neck offset with an alpha angle ≥ 55 degrees
No evidence of advanced osteoarthritis, defined as Tönnis grade ≥ 2, or joint space < 2 mm
No evidence of severe (diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV) chondral damage
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks* of conservative management, including avoidance of hip stretching or any activity that elicits or aggravates symptoms

*Less than the full duration of conservative management is permitted for an alpha angle greater than 65 degrees

Labral tear

Hip arthroscopy is considered medically necessary for treatment of labral tear when ALL the following criteria are met:

Moderate to severe hip pain (primarily in the groin) worsened by flexion activities (e.g., squatting or prolonged sitting) that interferes with activities of daily living, which is not explained by another diagnosis
Physical exam consistent with labral tear (e.g., positive impingement sign on clinical examination, defined as pain elicited with 90 degrees of flexion and internal rotation and adduction of the femur OR with extension and external rotation)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a labral tear
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management, including avoidance of hip stretching or any activity that elicits or aggravates symptoms
No evidence of advanced osteoarthritis, defined as Tönnis grade ≥ 2, or joint space < 2 mm
No evidence of severe (modified Outerbridge grade IV) chondral damage

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

For hip debridement/chondroplasty
- When performed for treatment of hip osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2, diffuse modified Outerbridge ≥ III, or Tönnis grade ≥ 2)
For treatment of FAIS/Labral repair
- Use of capsular plication as the sole treatment of FAIS
- Evidence of advanced osteoarthritis, defined as Tönnis grade ≥ 2, Kellgren-Lawrence ≥ grade 3, or joint space narrowing ≤ 2 mm
- Evidence of severe (diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV) chondral damage
- Positive broken Shenton line
- Inclination Tönnis angle greater than 10-15 degrees
- Labral repair in the presence of untreated severe hip dysplasia

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Diagnosis and Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections Clinical Practice Guideline (2019).
Ayeni OR, Adamich J, Farrokhyar F, et al. Surgical management of labral tears during femoroacetabular impingement surgery: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2014;22(4):756-62.
Ayeni OR, Alradwan H, de Sa D, et al. The hip labrum reconstruction: indications and outcomes–a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2014;22(4):737-43.
Bedi A, Kelly BT. Femoroacetabular impingement. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2013;95(1):82-92.
Bruni D, Iacono F, Sharma B, et al. Tibial tubercle osteotomy or quadriceps snip in two-stage revision for prosthetic knee infection? A randomized prospective study. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2013;471(4):1305-18.
Choi SM, Park MS, Ju BC, et al. Alterations in Range of Motion and Clinical Outcomes After Femoroplasty in Asians. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2018;26(8):e181-e90.
Comba FM, Slullitel PA, Bronenberg P, et al. Arthroscopic acetabuloplasty without labral detachment for focal pincer-type impingement: a minimum 2-year follow-up. J Hip Preserv Surg. 2017;4(2):145-52.
de Sa D, Cargnelli S, Catapano M, et al. Femoroacetabular impingement in skeletally immature patients: a systematic review examining indications, outcomes, and complications of open and arthroscopic treatment. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(2):373-84.
Fairley J, Wang Y, Teichtahl AJ, et al. Management options for femoroacetabular impingement: a systematic review of symptom and structural outcomes. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2016;24(10):1682-96.
Gohal C, Shamshoon S, Memon M, et al. Health-Related Quality of Life After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sports health. 2019;11(3):209-17.
Griffin DR, Dickenson EJ, O’Donnell J, et al. The Warwick Agreement on femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI syndrome): an international consensus statement. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50(19):1169-76.
Griffin DR, Dickenson EJ, Wall PDH, et al. Hip arthroscopy versus best conservative care for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (UK FASHIoN): a multicentre randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10136):2225-35.
Griffin DW, Kinnard MJ, Formby PM, et al. Outcomes of Hip Arthroscopy in the Older Adult: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Am J Sports Med. 2017;45(8):1928-36.
Haldane CE, Ekhtiari S, de Sa D, et al. Preoperative physical examination and imaging of femoroacetabular impingement prior to hip arthroscopy-a systematic review. J Hip Preserv Surg. 2017;4(3):201-13.
Johnson AH, Brennan JC, Maley A, et al. Injections prior to hip arthroscopy are associated with increased risk of repeat hip arthroscopy at 1 and 5 years. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2024;144(2):823–9.
Khan M, Habib A, de Sa D, et al. Arthroscopy Up to Date: Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(1):177-89.
Kierkegaard S, Langeskov-Christensen M, Lund B, et al. Pain, activities of daily living and sport function at different time points after hip arthroscopy in patients with femoroacetabular impingement: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2017;51(7):572-9.
Kuroda Y, Saito M, Sunil Kumar KH, et al. Arthroscopy and Borderline Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2020;04:04.
Lee DY, Park YJ, Kim HJ, et al. Arthroscopic meniscal surgery versus conservative management in patients aged 40 years and older: a meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2018;138(12):1731-9.
Lei P, Conaway WK, Martin SD. Outcome of Surgical Treatment of Hip Femoroacetabular Impingement Patients with Radiographic Osteoarthritis: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Studies. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2019;27(2):e70-e6.
Lynch TS, Minkara A, Aoki S, et al. Best Practice Guidelines for Hip Arthroscopy in Femoroacetabular Impingement: Results of a Delphi Process. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2020;28(2):81-9.
Mannava S, Geeslin AG, Frangiamore SJ, Cinque ME, Geeslin MG, Chahla J, Philippon MJ. Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation of Femoroacetabular Impingement: Part 2, Plain Radiography. Arthrosc Tech. 2017;6(5):e2003-e9.
Minkara AA, Westermann RW, Rosneck J, Lynch TS. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy in Femoroacetabular Impingement. Am J Sports Med. 2019;47(2):488-500.
Oliver D, Griffiths R, Roche J, Sahota O. Hip fracture. BMJ Clin Evid. 2010; 2010:1110. 23.
Palmer AJR, Ayyar Gupta V, Fernquest S, et al. Arthroscopic hip surgery compared with physiotherapy and activity modification for the treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement: multicentre randomised controlled trial. BMJ (Clinical research ed). 2019;364:l185.
Rahl MD, LaPorte C, Steinl GK, et al. Outcomes After Arthroscopic Hip Labral Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2020;48(7):1748-55.
Reiman MP, Peters S, Sylvain J, et al. Femoroacetabular impingement surgery allows 74% of athletes to return to the same competitive level of sports participation but their level of performance remains unreported: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(15):972-81.
Sogbein OA, Shah A, Kay J, et al. Predictors of Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019;7(6):2325967119848982.
Tjong VK, Gombera MM, Kahlenberg CA, et al. Isolated Acetabuloplasty and Labral Repair for Combined-Type Femoroacetabular Impingement: Are We Doing Too Much? Arthroscopy. 2017;33(4):773-9.
Trivedi NN, Sivasundaram L, Su CA, et al. Indications and Outcomes of Arthroscopic Labral Reconstruction of the Hip: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2019;35(7):2175-86.
Wu ZX, Ren WX, Ren YM, et al. Arthroscopic labral debridement versus labral repair for patients with femoroacetabular impingement: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020;99(19):e20141.
Zhang D, Chen L, Wang G. Hip arthroscopy versus open surgical dislocation for femoroacetabular impingement: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016;95(41):e5122.
Zhang K, Crum RJ, Samuelsson K, et al. In-Office Needle Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Indications and Clinical Utility. Arthroscopy. 2019;35(9):2709-21.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

CPT/HCPCS

29860	Arthroscopy, hip, diagnostic with or without synovial biopsy (separate procedure)
29861	Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with removal of loose body or foreign body
29862	Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), abrasion arthroplasty, and/or resection of labrum
29863	Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with synovectomy
29914	Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with femoroplasty (i.e., treatment of cam lesion)
29915	Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with acetabuloplasty (i.e., treatment of pincer lesion)
29916	Arthroscopy, hip, surgical; with labral repair [when repair of the labral tear is associated with FAIS]

Unlisted Procedures

The following unlisted procedures (CPT 29999 – Unlisted procedure, arthroscopy) are not managed by Carelon Medical Benefits Management. Please contact the respective health plan for further assistance.

Arthroscopic IT (Iliotibial) band lengthening
Arthroscopic repair of gluteus medius or minimus
Arthroscopic repair of gluteus medius or minimus (with biologic implant)
Arthroscopic trochanteric bursectomy

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Knee Arthroplasty (Total/Partial/Revision Knee Replacement)

Description and Scope

Knee arthroplasty involves removal of some or all of the diseased articular surfaces of the knee, followed by resurfacing with metal and polyethylene prosthetic components. Numerous implants composed of various biomaterials have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in knee arthroplasty procedures. The goal of the procedure is long-term pain relief and restoration of function.

This guideline addresses total knee arthroplasty (TKA), revision TKA, patellar and patella femoral arthroplasty, and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) when performed as elective, non-emergent procedures. This guideline does not address knee arthroplasty when performed as part of the care of a congenital condition, acute or traumatic event such as fracture (excluding periprosthetic fracture).

All knee arthroplasties are inclusive of the reattachment of any muscles divided for access to the knee, accompanying excision of osteophytes, synovectomy, diagnostic arthroscopy, and knee arthrotomy with associated removal of debris.

Removal of a knee prosthesis is defined as an explantation of an existing knee arthroplasty without conversion to a permanent replacement arthroplasty.

Revision knee arthroplasty is inclusive of the exchange of some or all of the components of a prior knee replacement with permanent replacements. It is not inclusive of exchange of components for visualization or joint access alone.

Clinical Indications

The following general requirements apply to all indications except where they differ from the specific requirements. The specific requirements take precedence over any stated general requirement.

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance, intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Imaging reports obtained within the past 12 months describing the degree of cartilage damage as determined by either or both of the following methods:

X-ray report or provider interpretation of x-rays that utilizes or can be correlated with the Kellgren-Lawrence grading system of osteoarthritis
MRI report from a radiologist that utilizes or can be correlated with the modified Outerbridge or similar classification system related to articular cartilage injury and osteoarthritis

See Appendix for a description of these grading systems.

General Recommendations

Tobacco cessation – Adherence to a tobacco cessation program resulting in abstinence from tobacco and nicotine products for at least 6 weeks prior to surgery is strongly recommended.

Diabetes – It is strongly recommended that a patient with a history of diabetes maintain a hemoglobin A1C of 8% or less prior to surgery.

Body mass index (BMI) – It is strongly recommended that a patient with a BMI equal to or greater than 40 attempt weight reduction prior to surgery.

Total Knee Arthroplasty

Elective total knee arthroplasty is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Joint reconstruction for tumors involving the knee or surrounding soft tissues
Unicompartmental, bicompartmental, tricompartmental, or isolated patellofemoral joint damage or destruction due to osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, inflammatory disease, avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis), or other chronic conditions when ALL the following criteria are met:
- Imaging evidence of significant joint destruction and cartilage loss, defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3–4 or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade III–IV
- Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV)
- Functional limitation secondary to knee pathology which interferes with the ability to perform age-appropriate daily activities (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4)

See Contraindications.

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty/Partial Knee Replacement

Elective medial or lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA)/partial knee replacement (PKA) is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Imaging evidence of significant joint destruction and cartilage loss, defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3–4, or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade III–IV, isolated to the medial or lateral knee compartment with no degenerative changes in the opposite compartment
Intact anterior cruciate ligament by imaging and/or documentation of stable knee examination (UKA may be done with concurrent ACL reconstruction if all other criteria are met)
Flexion contracture less than 15 degrees
Flexion greater than 110 degrees
Less than 10 degrees of fixed varus deformity for medial UKA
Less than 15 degrees of fixed valgus deformity for lateral UKA
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks conservative management (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV in the compartment being replaced)

Contraindications

Medial and lateral UKA are contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Inflammatory arthritis
Moderate-to-severe degenerative changes of the lateral facet of the patella when considering medial compartment replacement (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4)
Previous meniscectomy in the other compartment with any evidence of osteoarthritis in that compartment

See Contraindications.

Patellofemoral Arthroplasty

Elective patellofemoral arthroplasty is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Functional limitation secondary to knee pathology which interferes with the ability to perform age-appropriate daily activities (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4)
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (unless radiographs show Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV in the patellofemoral compartment)
Flexion contracture less than 10 degrees
Valgus deformity less than 8 degrees or varus deformity less than 5 degrees
ONE of the following disease states:
- Advanced symptomatic primary or secondary isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) with significant joint destruction and cartilage loss, defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3–4, or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade III–IV
- Failed extensor mechanism unloading procedures (e.g., lateral retinacular release, reconstruction of the medal patellar femoral ligament, quadricepsplasty, bony procedures for realignment involving the tibial tuberosity) with evidence of advanced patellofemoral osteoarthritis
- Symptomatic patellofemoral cartilage defects greater than 4 cm² after a failed cartilage repair procedure, such as autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)

Contraindications

Patellofemoral arthroplasty is contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Tibiofemoral osteoarthritis
Inflammatory arthritis
Patellofemoral malalignment
Knee instability (ligament injuries)
Previous meniscectomy with any evidence of osteoarthritis in the tibiofemoral compartments

See Contraindications including those specific to patellofemoral arthroplasty above.

Hinged Knee Arthroplasty

Hinged knee arthroplasty is considered medically necessary when ANY of the following criteria are met:

Global ligament instability
Severe bone loss or deformity
Absence or deficit of muscular control
Joint reconstruction for tumors involving the knee or surrounding soft tissues
Congenital dislocation of knee
Severe instability after surgical exposure

See Contraindications.

Revision or Conversion of a Prior Knee Arthroplasty

Revision or conversion of a prior knee arthroplasty is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Pain and functional limitation attributable to the arthroplasty
Documented recent evaluation for prosthetic joint infection:
- Recent preoperative investigation using serologic testing (ESR, CRP, and/or IL-6) and
- IF there are abnormal laboratory findings on serologic testing, at least ONE of the following:
  - Synovial fluid testing, such as leukocyte count and neutrophil percentage, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures, leukocyte esterase, alpha defensin testing (Synovasure®), synovial fluid CRP, synovial fluid PCR for bacteria
  - Intraoperative plan for histopathology and/or aerobic and anaerobic tissue cultures using implant sonication for cultures or PCR
ANY of the following conditions are present:
- Reconstruction after periprosthetic joint infection with lab and clinical confirmation of infection resolution
- Implant loosening confirmed by imaging
- Substantial osteolysis of the distal femur, proximal tibia, or patella
- Progressive soft tissue or bone reaction including bearing surface wear or symptomatic synovitis
- Component instability (e.g., clinical instability, component malalignment, displacement of the femoral, tibial, or patella component)
- Component failure or recall
- Periprosthetic fracture or irreducible dislocation
- Persistent symptoms (e.g., pain, antalgic gait, knee stiffness attributable to the implants) despite 12 weeks of conservative management in the absence of any of the conditions listed above

Contraindications

All procedures listed in this guideline are contraindicated* when ANY of the following are present:

Active infection of the joint being replaced
Active systemic infection
Active skin infection or open wound at or near the surgical site
Rapidly progressive neurologic disease
Extensor mechanism deficiency not amenable to surgical correction
Neuropathic joint
Intra-articular injection or knee arthroscopy within 12 weeks of the planned arthroplasty procedure

*For specific contraindications, refer to each section of this guideline.

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

Bi-unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (medial and lateral tibiofemoral compartments with absence of patellofemoral osteoarthritis)
Bicompartmental arthroplasty (e.g., medial and patellofemoral compartments of the knee)
Focal resurfacing of a single knee joint defect
Unicompartmental free-floating (unfixed) interpositional device
The use of an implantable shock absorber (e.g., MISHA™ Knee System)

References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Arthroplasty) Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. https://www.aaos.org/oak3cpg Published August 30, 2021.

2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Diagnosis and Prevention of Periprosthetic Joint Infections Clinical Practice Guideline (2019).

3. Arendt-Nielsen L, Simonsen O, Laursen MB, et al. Pain and sensitization after total knee replacement or nonsurgical treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis: Identifying potential predictors of outcome at 12 months. Eur J Pain. 2018;22(6):1088-102.

Amin NH, Omiyi D, Kuczynski B, et al. The Risk of a Deep Infection Associated With Intraarticular Injections Before a Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2016;31(1):240–4.
Aujla RS, Esler CN. Total Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis in Patients Less Than Fifty-Five Years of Age: A Systematic Review. J Arthroplasty. 2017;32(8):2598-603.e1.
Avila A, Acuna AJ, Do MT, et al. Intra-articular injection receipt within 3 months prior to primary total knee arthroplasty is associated with increased periprosthetic joint infection risk. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022;24:24.
Baums MH, Aquilina J, Perez-Prieto D, et al. Risk analysis of periprosthetic knee joint infection (PJI) in total knee arthroplasty after preoperative corticosteroid injection: a systematic review : A study performed by the Early-Osteoarthritis group of ESSKA-European Knee Associates section. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2022;12:12.
Bedard NA, Pugely AJ, Elkins JM, et al. The John N. Insall Award: Do Intraarticular Injections Increase the Risk of Infection After TKA? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2017;475(1):45–52.
Bhattacharjee S, Wallace S, Luu HH, et al. Do We Need to Wait 3 Months After Corticosteroid Injections to Reduce the Risk of Infection After Total Knee Arthroplasty? J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2021;29(14):e714–e21.
Bunyoz KI, Lustig S, Troelsen A. Similar postoperative patient-reported outcome in both second generation patellofemoral arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty for treatment of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019;27(7):2226-37.
Cheok T, Jennings M, Aprato A, et al. Safety of intraarticular corticosteroid injection preceding hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis amid resolving COVID-19 arthroplasty restrictions. J Hip Preserv Surg. 2021;8(3):215-24.
Choi YJ, Seo DK, Lee KW, et al. Results of total knee arthroplasty for painless, stiff knees. Knee Surg Relat Res. 2020;32(1):61.
Durst CR, Rezzadeh KT, Than JP, et al. Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections Into a Preexisting Total Knee Arthroplasty are Associated With Increased Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Revision. Arthroplasty Today. 2023;24:101237.
Elbardesy H, McLeod A, Gul R, et al. Midterm results of modern patellofemoral arthroplasty versus total knee arthroplasty for isolated patellofemoral arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2021;07:07.
Grondin J, Menu P, Metayer B, et al. Intra-Articular Injections Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty Do Not Increase the Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Prospective Cohort Study. Antibiotics (Basel). 2021;10(3):21.
Hawley S, Prats-Uribe A, Matharu GS, et al. Effect of intra-articular corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis on the rates of subsequent knee replacement and post-operative outcomes: a national cohort study of England. BMC Med. 2025;23(1):195.
Jones CM, Acuna AJ, Forlenza EM, et al. Hyaluronic acid injections administered within two months prior to total knee arthroplasty increase the risk for periprosthetic joint infection. Knee. 2024;53:103–7.
Joseph MN, Achten J, Parsons NR, et al. The PAT randomized clinical trial. Bone Joint J. 2020;102-B(3):310-8.
Khan IA, Small I, Sutton RM, et al. Cumulative Intraarticular Injections Are Not a Risk Factor for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2022;37(6):1059–63.e1.
Kim YM, Joo YB, Song JH. Preoperative intra-articular steroid injections within 3 months increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection in total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2023;18(1):148.
Kleeblad LJ, van der List JP, Zuiderbaan HA, et al. Larger range of motion and increased return to activity, but higher revision rates following unicompartmental versus total knee arthroplasty in patients under 65: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(6):1811-22.
Kokubun BA, Manista GC, Courtney PM, et al. Intra-Articular Knee Injections Before Total Knee Arthroplasty: Outcomes and Complication Rates. J Arthroplasty. 2017;32(6):1798–802.
Kurtz SM, Mont MA, Chen AF, et al. Intra-Articular Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections Are Not Associated with Periprosthetic Joint Infection Risk following Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Knee Surg. 2022;35(9):983–96.
Lai Q, Cai K, Lin T, et al. Prior Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injection Within 3 Months May Increase the Risk of Deep Infection in Subsequent Joint Arthroplasty: A Meta-analysis. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2022;480(5):971-9.
Lee JK, Kim HJ, Park JO, et al. Inferior outcome of revision of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty to total knee arthroplasty compared with primary total knee arthroplasty: systematic review and meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(11):3403-18.
Linton A, Magruder ML, Abbaszadeh A, et al. 2025 ICM: Previous Procedures and Risk of Surgical Site Infection/Periprosthetic Joint Infection. J Arthroplasty. 2025;41(1s1):S229–s37.
Ma JX, He WW, Kuang MJ, et al. Efficacy of bicompartmental knee arthroplasty (BKA) for bicompartmental knee osteoarthritis: A meta analysis. Int J Surg. 2017;46:53-60.
McCormick JR, Berlinberg EJ, Oladipo V, et al. Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections Are Not Associated with Deep Infection after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty. J Knee Surg. 2023;11:11.
Mohammad HR, Strickland L, Hamilton TW, et al. Long-term outcomes of over 8,000 medial Oxford Phase 3 Unicompartmental Knees-a systematic review. Acta Orthopaedica. 2018;89(1):101-7.
Muffly B, Ayeni A, Jones C, et al. Periprosthetic Joint Infection Risk after Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: Are All Preoperative Corticosteroid Injections the Same? J Arthroplasty. 2023;02:02.
Nakano N, Shoman H, Olavarria F, et al. Why are patients dissatisfied following a total knee replacement? A systematic review. Int Orthop. 2020;08:08.
Nelson AE, Allen KD, Golightly YM, Goode AP, Jordan JM. A systematic review of recommendations and guidelines for the management of osteoarthritis: The chronic osteoarthritis management initiative of the U.S. bone and joint initiative. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2014;43(6):701-12.
Neuprez A, Neuprez AH, Kaux JF, et al. Early Clinically Relevant Improvement in Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes 1 Year Postsurgery in Patients with Knee and Hip Joint Arthroplasties. Cartilage. 2018;9(2):127-39.
Nie F, Li W. Impact of Prior Intra-articular Injections on the Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infection Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front. 2021;8:737529.
Nin DZ, Chen YW, Talmo CT, et al. Joint Injection or Aspiration before Total Knee Arthroplasty: Does It Increase the Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection? J Knee Surg. 2024;26:26.
Peng G, Liu M, Guan Z, et al. Patellofemoral arthroplasty versus total knee arthroplasty for isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2021;16(1):264.
Pozzobon D, Ferreira PH, Blyth FM, et al. Can obesity and physical activity predict outcomes of elective knee or hip surgery due to osteoarthritis? A meta-analysis of cohort studies. BMJ open. 2018;8(2):e017689.
Prkic A, Peet M, Benner JL, et al. Role of Preoperative Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections on Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Hip Arthroplasty and Its Association With Preoperative Timing: A Single-Center Series of 5,909 Hips. J Arthroplasty. 2024;39(8):2100–3.
Raymond HE, Barbera JP, Shah KC, et al. Risk of Infection After Total Knee or Hip Arthroplasty After Receipt of Multiple Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injections. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2023;31(19):e868–e75.
Rhode DT, Siegel MA, Volchenko E, et al. Do Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty Increase Postoperative Complication Rates: A Retrospective Review. J Knee Surg. 2021;29:29.
Richardson SS, Schairer WW, Sculco TP, et al. Comparison of Infection Risk with Corticosteroid or Hyaluronic Acid Injection Prior to Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2019;101(2):112–8.
Roecker Z, Quinlan ND, Browne JA, et al. Risk of Periprosthetic Infection Following Intra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections After Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2020;35(4):1090–4.
Schoell K, Crabb R, Simpson E, et al. Preoperative corticosteroid injections are associated with a higher periprosthetic infection rate following primary total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2024;33(12):2734–42.
Shahzad H, Krajcir CA, Meehan JP, et al. Does a Simple Needle Stick From a Preoperative Knee Aspiration or Non-Steroidal Injection Influence Total Knee Arthroplasty Infection Risk? A Retrospective Database Analysis. J Arthroplasty. 2025;40(12):3285–90.e1.
Strang M, Broomfield J, Whitehouse M, et al. Association of intra-articular injection and knee arthroscopy prior to primary knee replacement with the timing and outcomes of surgery: Retrospective cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD database. PLoS ONE [Electronic Resource]. 2024;19(11):e0311947.
Sun K, Li H. Body mass index as a predictor of outcome in total knee replace: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Knee. 2017;24(5):917-24.
Sun X, Su Z. A meta-analysis of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty revised to total knee arthroplasty versus primary total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018;13(1):158.
Tang A, Almetwali O, Zak SG, et al. Do preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections affect time to total joint arthroplasty? J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021;16:49–57.
Vicenti G, Albano F, Buono C, et al. Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Intra-Articular Injection: Any Difference among Shoulder, Knee and Hip? Healthcare (Basel). 2024;12(11).
Wilson HA, Middleton R, Abram SGF, et al. Patient relevant outcomes of unicompartmental versus total knee replacement: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed). 2019;364:l352.
Xing D, Yang Y, Ma X, et al. Dose intraarticular steroid injection increase the rate of infection in subsequent arthroplasty: grading the evidence through a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2014;9:107.
Yang X, Li L, Ren X, et al. Do preoperative intra-articular injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid increase the risk of infection after total knee arthroplasty? A meta-analysis. Bone Joint Res. 2022;11(3):171–9.
Yoon C, Chang MJ, Chang CB, et al. Does unicompartmental knee arthroplasty have worse outcomes in spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee than in medial compartment osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2019;139(3):393-403.
Youlden DJ, Dannaway J, Enke O. Radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis and its relationship to outcome post total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. ANZ J Surg. 2020;90(3):237-42.
Zhao ZQ, Xu J, Wang RL, et al. The efficacy of synovectomy for total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018;13(1):51.
Zuo W, Ma J, Guo W, et al. Comparison of the clinical outcomes of revision of failed UKAs to TKAs with primary TKAs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(50):e13408.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

CPT/HCPCS

27437	Arthroplasty, patella; without prosthesis
27438	Arthroplasty, patella; with prosthesis
27440	Arthroplasty, knee; tibial plateau
27441	Arthroplasty, knee, tibial plateau; with debridement and partial synovectomy
27442	Arthroplasty, femoral condyles or tibial plateau(s), knee
27443	Arthroplasty, femoral condyles or tibial plateau(s), knee; with debridement and partial synovectomy
27445	Arthroplasty, knee, hinge prosthesis (eg, Walldius type)
27446	Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial OR lateral compartment
27447	Arthroplasty, knee, condyle and plateau; medial AND lateral compartments with or without patella resurfacing (total knee arthroplasty)
27486	Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft; 1 component
27487	Revision of total knee arthroplasty, with or without allograft; femoral and entire tibial component
27488	Removal of prosthesis, including total knee prosthesis, methyl methacrylate with or without insertion of spacer, knee
C8003	Implantation of medial knee extraarticular implantable shock absorber spanning the knee joint from distal femur to proximal tibia, open, includes measurements, positioning and adjustments, with imaging guidance (e.g., fluoroscopy)

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Knee Arthroscopy and Open Procedures

Description and Scope

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a fiberoptic camera is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision. In addition to allowing the surgeon to visualize the joint, arthroscopy may also be utilized for treatment of a variety of conditions involving the joint structures.

This guideline addresses knee arthroscopy when performed as an elective, non-emergent procedure and not as part of the care of an acute fracture.

Articular cartilage lesions in weight-bearing joints often fail to heal spontaneously and may be associated with pain, loss of function, and long-term complications such as osteoarthritis. A number of surgical techniques have been developed to treat these lesions.

Procedures to treat focal articular cartilage defects can be classified as:

Palliative (lavage, chondroplasty)
Reparative (microfracture, abrasion arthroplasty)
Restorative (osteochondral allograft, osteochondral autograft, or autologous chondrocyte implantation)*

*See Osteochondral Grafts

Chondroplasty or debridement is a smoothing or shaving of symptomatic partial-thickness cartilage lesions or chondral flaps (unstable mechanical source of pain).

Microfracture involves drilling multiple holes through the subchondral bone to promote bleeding and fibrocartilage growth.

Abrasion arthroplasty involves abrading the subchondral bone to the depth necessary to promote bleeding and fibrocartilage growth. It includes debridement of cartilage in the same compartment.

Both microfracture and abrasion arthroplasty are typically performed on lesions less than 4 cm².

All arthroscopic and open knee procedure codes are inclusive of diagnostic arthroscopy, manipulation under anesthesia, and soft tissue/synovial resection for visualization.

Clinical Indications

The following general requirements apply to all indications except where they differ from the specific requirements. The specific requirements take precedence over any stated general requirement.

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance, intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Knee Arthroscopy/Open Procedures

Diagnostic arthroscopy

Diagnostic arthroscopy of the knee joint is considered medically necessary for synovial biopsy or tissue harvest (chondrocyte) when ALL the following criteria are met:

Presence of ONE of the following symptoms
- Significant pain and functional limitation
- Instability (e.g., giving way, catching, clicking, locking)
- Limited range of motion
Presence of ONE of the following physical exam findings
- Limited range of motion
- Joint swelling
- Inconclusive specific diagnostic exam maneuvers
- Local muscle weakness or atrophy
Inconclusive x-ray and/or advanced imaging studies
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management. (For patients with severe ADL limitations, abbreviated treatment requirements may be acceptable)

Exclusion

Diagnostic arthroscopy for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis is considered not medically necessary.

In-office diagnostic arthroscopy (e.g., mi-eye 2^®) is considered not medically necessary.

Removal of loose body

Removal of loose body is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Knee pain and/or grinding, catching, locking, or popping
Radiographic evidence of a loose intra-articular foreign body/implant, fracture fragment, or other distinct structure*

*When other knee arthroscopy codes are authorized, loose body must be larger than the size of an arthroscopy cannula (5mm) or require incision extension for removal.

Exclusion

Removal of loose body for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis is considered not medically necessary.

Meniscal repair or meniscectomy

Acute traumatic meniscal tear

Meniscal repair or meniscectomy is considered medically necessary for acute traumatic meniscal tear (sudden onset of joint-line pain associated with significant knee injury) when ALL the following criteria are met:

Knee injury within last 3 months with new onset knee pain (For traumatic injuries that occurred more than 3 months ago, see chronic meniscal tear)
Moderate to severe pain associated with functional limitation, which interferes with the ability to perform age-appropriate daily activities
Symptoms of catching, locking, or instability
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating features of an acute meniscal tear (e.g., root avulsion, longitudinal vertical, radial, flap, posterolateral root, bucket handle, posterior horn, and complex tears, or displaced meniscal fragment)
Physical exam* consistent with meniscus pathology (e.g., joint line tenderness, positive McMurray test, positive Apley test, joint effusion, reduced range of motion)

*If there is a planned concurrent ligament reconstruction and documented meniscal tear, physical exam findings specific to meniscus are not necessary.

Partial meniscectomy is considered medically necessary for symptomatic tears not amenable to repair, especially when the peripheral meniscal rim is intact.

Meniscal repair is considered medically necessary for symptomatic reducible tears that are peripheral (e.g., near the capsular attachment) and horizontal or longitudinal in nature.

Chronic meniscal tear

Meniscal repair or meniscectomy is considered medically necessary for chronic meniscal tear (without any history of significant acute trauma) when ALL the following criteria are met:

Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management OR frequent mechanical symptoms (catching, locking, or instability)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a meniscal tear consistent with the clinical presentation
Physical exam consistent with meniscus pathology (e.g., joint line tenderness, positive McMurray test, positive Apley test, joint effusion, reduced range of motion)
Imaging findings demonstrate no more than moderate tibiofemoral osteoarthritis as evidenced by imaging showing ANY of the following:
- Joint space preservation ≥ 50% (mild to moderate)
- Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤ 2
- Modified Outerbridge grade ≤ III changes

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in meniscal repair/meniscectomy are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

Meniscal repair or meniscectomy for x-rays with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 or diffuse modified Outerbridge grade IV changes

Chondroplasty/debridement of articular cartilage

Chondroplasty/debridement of articular cartilage is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Recent advanced imaging demonstrating focal cartilage lesion or unstable chondral flap
Radiographic imaging consistent with Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤ 2
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management OR frequent mechanical symptoms (catching, locking, or instability)

Note: Chondroplasty performed along with a meniscectomy in the same knee is considered part of the main (meniscectomy) procedure. Meniscectomy performed along with a chondroplasty in the same knee is considered part of the main (chondroplasty) procedure.

Abrasion arthroplasty/microfracture (knee including patella)

Abrasion arthroplasty/microfracture (knee including patella) is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Radiographic imaging consistent with Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤ 2
Absence of “kissing” knee lesions (lesion must be single and involve only one side of the joint)
Lesion is largely contained with near normal surrounding articular cartilage and articulating cartilage (modified Outerbridge grade II or less)
Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a focal, full thickness (modified Outerbridge grade III or IV) isolated unipolar defect of the weight-bearing surface of the medial or lateral femoral condyles or trochlea or patella between 1 cm² and 2.5 cm²
Stable knee joint, with functionally intact menisci and ligaments, with normal alignment
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management OR frequent mechanical symptoms (catching, locking, or instability)

Note: Corrective procedures (e.g., ligament or tendon repair, osteotomy for realignment, meniscal allograft transplant or repair) may be performed in combination with, or prior to, abrasion arthroplasty/microfracture.

Debridement/drainage/lavage

Debridement/drainage/lavage is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following indications:

Rheumatoid arthritis with failure of medical management (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs [DMARDs])
Septic joint or osteomyelitis
Septic prosthetic joint
Postoperative arthrofibrosis with limited range of motion and persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Exclusion

Debridement or lavage for isolated primary diagnosis of advanced osteoarthritis of the knee is considered not medically necessary.

Arthrofibrosis

Arthroscopically assisted lysis of adhesions and/or manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) are considered medically necessary for post-traumatic, post-surgical, or idiopathic stiffness of the knee when ALL the following criteria are met:

Physical exam demonstrates limited range of motion (ROM) of the knee, defined as ANY of the following:
- extension loss greater than 10 degrees
- inability to flex more than 110 degrees
- loss of motion significantly impacts daily function
Persistent loss of range of motion (ROM) of the knee despite 12 weeks of conservative management (For patient showing severe limitation in knee ROM after a recent arthroplasty, earlier treatment may be considered)

Exclusion

Lysis of adhesions and/or MUA for isolated primary diagnosis of advanced osteoarthritis of the knee is considered not medically necessary.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Absence of advanced knee arthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4)
Diagnosis of ACL tear established by EITHER of the following:
- Physical exam consistent with ACL tear (e.g., positive anterior drawer sign, pivot shift test, or Lachman test)
- Recent advanced imaging demonstrating an ACL tear
EITHER of the following scenarios apply:
- ACL tear occurring in conjunction with a meniscal tear or ligamentous injury (i.e., medial or posterior collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, or posterolateral corner ligamentous injury)
- Persistent symptoms despite 2 weeks of conservative treatment

Anterolateral ligament reconstruction or extra articular tenodesis

Reconstruction of the anterolateral ligament or an extra articular tenodesis for knee stability may be required if ANY of the following criteria are met:

Skeletal immaturity with intent for physeal-sparing ACL reconstruction
A revision ACL reconstruction is planned
Positive pivot shift or other evidence of rotational instability on exam
Ligamentous laxity as confirmed by Beighton score greater than 5

Posterior cruciate ligament repair or reconstruction

Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) repair or reconstruction is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Absence of advanced knee arthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4)
Diagnosis of PCL tear established by EITHER of the following:
- Physical exam consistent with PCL tear (e.g., positive posterior drawer sign, reverse pivot shift test, or posterior sag sign)
- Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a PCL tear
Associated ligamentous injuries necessitating treatment (i.e., injury to posterolateral corner of the knee, medial collateral ligament tear, ACL tear, avulsion fracture of fibular head or avulsion of the tibia distal to the lateral plateau) OR persistent symptomatic instability despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Posterolateral corner injury

Posterolateral corner reconstruction is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Recent advanced imaging demonstrating injury to the posterolateral structures
Physical exam consistent with instability due to the posterolateral corner injury
Associated ligamentous injuries necessitating treatment OR persistent symptomatic instability despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Collateral or extra-articular ligament injury

Collateral or extra-articular ligament repair or reconstruction is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Diagnosis of ligament injury by EITHER of the following:
- Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a complete tear
- Physical exam consistent with instability due to the collateral ligament injury
Associated ligamentous injuries necessitating treatment OR persistent symptomatic instability despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Patellar compression syndrome (lateral patellofemoral impingement)

Lateral retinacular release is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Positive lateral patellar tilt established on imaging (axial view)
Persistent symptoms despite 6 months of conservative management
Radiographic imaging consistent with Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤ 2 patellofemoral osteoarthritis
ANY of the following:
- Pain with compression of patella and lateral facet tenderness
- Inability to evert the lateral edge of the patella
- Positive patella glide test
- Positive patella tilt test
- Lateral femoral trochlear or lateral patella facet cartilage lesion confirmed by imaging within the past 12 months, when symptoms are consistent with a cartilage defect

Exclusion

Lateral retinacular release for medial tracking of the patella is considered not medically necessary.

Quadricepsplasty

Quadricepsplasty is considered medically necessary for knee extension contracture secondary to prior femur/knee fracture or surgery when ALL the following criteria are met:

Knee flexion less than 90 degrees
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management
Failure of an arthroscopic lysis of adhesions

Distal realignment procedures

Distal realignment procedures (tibial tubercle transfer) for patellar instability (subluxation/dislocation) are considered medically necessary in skeletally mature patients when ALL the following criteria are met:

Recurrent patellofemoral instability associated with pain that limits function OR persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management
Radiographic imaging consistent with Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤ 2 patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Presence of at least ONE of the following:
- Tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance > 20 mm
- Patella alta (e.g., Caton-Deschamps index > 1.2)

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is considered medically necessary when EITHER of the following apply:

Performed in combination with distal realignment for patellofemoral instability
ALL the following criteria are met:
Recurrent patellofemoral instability associated with pain that limits function OR persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management
Radiographic imaging consistent with Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≤ 2 patellofemoral osteoarthritis
Presence of tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance < 20 mm, normal trochlear morphology, and absence of patella alta (e.g., Caton-Deschamps index < 1.2)

Excision of popliteal cyst

Excision of a popliteal cyst is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Posterior knee pain ≥ 3 on the VAS scale of at least 12 weeks’ duration
Imaging confirms presence of a popliteal cyst

Plica resection

Plica resection is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Exclusion of other causes of anteromedial knee pain
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management
TWO (2) of the following five criteria are present:
- Anteromedial knee joint line pain, especially at the medial femoral condyle
- Audible clicking or snap during knee motion – painful arc 30 to 60 degrees
- Pain with activities: ascending and descending stairs, squatting, rising from a chair, or sitting for extended periods
- Positive Hughston plica test or positive duvet test (duvet between knees for relief)
- Visible or palpable (tender) plica

Synovectomy (Limited)

Limited synovectomy is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Recent advanced imaging demonstrating a primary localized synovial proliferative process (e.g., Hoffa’s fat pad syndrome, post procedure focal synovial hypertrophy [cyclops lesion])
Physical exam findings and/or symptoms consistent with the synovial proliferative process (e.g., patellar clunk)
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management

Synovectomy (Major)

Major (complete) synovectomy is considered medically necessary for ANY of the following conditions:

Diffuse synovial proliferative diseases involving the joint (e.g., inflammatory arthritides such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, crystalline arthropathy such as gout or pseudogout, pigmented villonodular synovitis, septic arthritis, synovial hemangioma, synovial chondromatosis/osteochondromatosis, hemophilia)

Exclusion

A separate request for synovectomy performed for exposure or visualization, or for post-traumatic reactive synovitis is considered not medically necessary.

Repair of osteochondral defect

See Osteochondral Grafts guideline.

Repair of subchondral bone defects (subchondroplasty)

The use of engineered calcium phosphate mineral or similar compounds (e.g., AccuFill® Bone Substitute Material) to fill subchondral bone defects or bone marrow lesions (BML) is considered not medically necessary.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (Juvenile and Adult)

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a distinct condition that develops primarily in children and adolescents. A focal area of ischemia in the bone results in a progressive separation of a small segment of bone and overlying cartilage. OCD affects the medial or lateral femoral condyles (not the patella, femoral trochlea, or tibial plateau) (AAOS AUC). OCD is usually regarded as either juvenile OCD (occurring with an open epiphyseal plate) or adult OCD (after the physis has closed). The etiology of OCD lesions remains unclear and is characterized by an aseptic necrosis in the subchondral bone area. OCD is not associated with acute trauma.

Osteochondritis dissecans

Surgical treatment (e.g., drilling, pin fixation) is considered medically necessary when ANY of the following criteria are met:

Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative management (e.g., immobilization, restricted weight-bearing, avoidance of sports activities)
Presence of an unstable lesion (based on advanced imaging or arthroscopic evaluation)

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following (see sections above for specific exclusions):

The use of an implantable shock absorber (e.g., MISHA™ Knee System)

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (NonArthroplasty) Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. https://www.aaos.org/oak3cpg Published August 30, 2021.
Arthroscopic Debridement of the Knee: An Evidence Update. Ontario health technology assessment series. 2014;14(13):1-43.
Abram SGF, Beard DJ, Price AJ, et al. Arthroscopic meniscal surgery: a national society treatment guideline and consensus statement. Bone Joint J. 2019;101-B(6):652-9.
Abram SGF, Judge A, Beard DJ, et al. Adverse outcomes after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy: a study of 700 000 procedures in the national Hospital Episode Statistics database for England. Lancet. 2018;392(10160):2194-202.
Agarwalla A, Gowd AK, Liu JN, et al. Concomitant Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction and Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy Do Not Increase the Incidence of 30-Day Complications: An Analysis of the NSQIP Database. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019;7(4):2325967119837639.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline www.aaos.org/aclcpg Published August 22, 2022, (2022), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Barber-Westin SD, Noyes FR. Clinical healing rates of meniscus repairs of tears in the central-third (red-white) zone. Arthroscopy. 2014;30(1):134-46.
Beaufils P, Hulet C, Dhénain M, Nizard R, Nourissat G, Pujol N. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of meniscal lesions and isolated lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee in adults. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2009;95(6):437-42.
Bisson LJ, Kluczynski MA, Wind WM, et al. Patient Outcomes After Observation Versus Debridement of Unstable Chondral Lesions During Partial Meniscectomy: The Chondral Lesions And Meniscus Procedures (ChAMP) Randomized Controlled Trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2017;99(13):1078-85.
Bisson LJ, Kluczynski MA, Wind WM, et al. How Does the Presence of Unstable Chondral Lesions Affect Patient Outcomes After Partial Meniscectomy? The ChAMP Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(3):590-7.
Brignardello-Petersen R, Guyatt GH, Buchbinder R, Poolman RW, Schandelmaier S, Chang Y, Sadeghirad B, Evaniew N, Vandvik PO. Knee arthroscopy versus conservative management in patients with degenerative knee disease: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2017;7(5):e016114.
Chambers HG, Shea KG, Carey JL. AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline: diagnosis and treatment of osteochondritis dissecans. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2011;19(5):307-9.
Diduch DR, Crawford DC, Ranawat AS, et al. Implantable Shock Absorber Provides Superior Pain Relief and Functional Improvement Compared With High Tibial Osteotomy in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Medial Knee Osteoarthritis: A 2-Year Report. Cartilage. 2023;14(2):152-63.
Eijgenraam SM, Reijman M, Bierma-Zeinstra SMA, et al. Can we predict the clinical outcome of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy? A systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(8):514-21.
Evidence DSB, Health Quality Ontario. Arthroscopic Debridement of the Knee: An Evidence Update. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. 2014;14(13):1-43.
Gauffin H, Sonesson S, Meunier A, et al. Knee Arthroscopic Surgery in Middle-Aged Patients With Meniscal Symptoms: A 3-Year Follow-up of a Prospective, Randomized Study. Am J Sports Med. 2017;45(9):2077-84.
Gill TJ, Safran M, Mandelbaum B, et al. A Prospective, Blinded, Multicenter Clinical Trial to Compare the Efficacy, Accuracy, and Safety of In-Office Diagnostic Arthroscopy With Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Surgical Diagnostic Arthroscopy. Arthroscopy. 2018;34(8):2429-35.
Giuffrida A, Di Bari A, Falzone E, et al. Conservative vs. surgical approach for degenerative meniscal injuries: a systematic review of clinical evidence. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2020;24(6):2874-85.
Gomoll AH, Diduch DR, Flanigan DC, et al. An implantable shock absorber yields an 85% survival-from-arthroplasty rate through 5 years in working-age patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2023;31(8):3307-15.
Hegedus EJ, Cook C, Hasselblad V, et al. Physical examination tests for assessing a torn meniscus in the knee: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007;37(9):541-50.
Hufeland M, Treder L, Kubo HK, et al. Symptomatic medial synovial plica of the knee joint: an underestimated pathology in young patients. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2019;139(11):1625-31.
Ishibashi Y, Adachi N, Koga H, et al. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) clinical practice guidelines on the management of anterior cruciate ligament injury – Secondary publication. J Orthop Sci. 2020;25(1):6-45.
Karpinski K, Muller-Rath R, Niemeyer P, et al. Subgroups of patients with osteoarthritis and medial meniscus tear or crystal arthropathy benefit from arthroscopic treatment. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2019;27(3):782-96.
Katz JN, Wright J, Spindler KP, Mandl LA, Safran-Norton CE, Reinke EK, Levy BA, Wright RW, Jones MH, Martin SD, Marx RG, Losina E. Predictors and Outcomes of Crossover to Surgery from Physical Therapy for Meniscal Tear and Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Trial Comparing Physical Therapy and Surgery. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016;98(22):1890-6.
Khan M, Evaniew N, Bedi A, Ayeni OR, Bhandari M. Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative tears of the meniscus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. CMAJ. 2014;186(14):1057-64.
Kramer DE, Glotzbecker MP, Shore BJ, et al. Results of Surgical Management of Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Ankle in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population. J Pediatr Orthop. 2015;35(7):725-33.
Lattermann C, Drake GN, Spellman J, et al. Lateral retinacular release for anterior knee pain: a systematic review of the literature. J Knee Surg. 2006;19(4):278-84.
Lee DY, Park YJ, Song SY, et al. Which Technique Is Better for Treating Patellar Dislocation? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arthroscopy. 2018;34(11):3082-93.e1.
Migliorini F, Rath B, Tingart M, et al. Distal alignment procedures for patellofemoral instability: comprehensive review of the literature. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2019;29(7):1579-88.
Mohan R, Webster KE, Johnson NR, et al. Clinical Outcomes in Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis. Arthroscopy. 2018;34(1):289-300.
Monk AP, Davies LJ, Hopewell S, Harris K, Beard DJ, Price AJ. Surgical versus conservative interventions for treating anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4(4):Cd011166.
Monk P, Garfjeld Roberts P, Palmer AJ, et al. The Urgent Need for Evidence in Arthroscopic Meniscal Surgery. Am J Sports Med. 2017;45(4):965-73.
Mosich GM, Lieu V, Ebramzadeh E, et al. Operative Treatment of Isolated Meniscus Injuries in Adolescent Patients: A Meta-Analysis and Review. Sports health. 2018;10(4):311-6.
Nairn LN, Subramaniam M, Ekhtiari S, et al. Safety and early results of Subchondroplasty R for the treatment of bone marrow lesions in osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2021;29(11):3599-607.
Paczesny L, Zabrzynski J, Kentzer R, et al. A 10-Year Follow-up on Arthroscopic Medial Plica Syndrome Treatments with Special Reference to Related Cartilage Injuries. Cartilage. 2019:1947603519892310.
Pagenstert G, Wolf N, Bachmann M, et al. Open lateral patellar retinacular lengthening versus open retinacular release in lateral patellar hypercompression syndrome: a prospective double-blinded comparative study on complications and outcome. Arthroscopy. 2012;28(6):788-97.
Papalia R, Osti L, Del Buono A, Denaro V, Maffulli N. Management of combined ACL-MCL tears: a systematic review. Br Med Bull. 2010;93:201-15.
Payne J, Rimmke N, Schmitt LC, et al. The Incidence of Complications of Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2015;31(9):1819-25.
Petersen W, Achtnich A, Lattermann C, Kopf S. The Treatment of Non-Traumatic Meniscus Lesions. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2015;112(42):705-13.
Phelan N, Rowland P, Galvin R, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of MRI for suspected ACL and meniscal tears of the knee. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(5):1525-39.
Prejbeanu R, Poenaru DV, Balanescu AD, et al. Long term results after arthroscopic resection of medial plicae of the knee-a prospective study. Int Orthop. 2017;41(1):121-5.
Roos EM, Hare KB, Nielsen SM, et al. Better outcome from arthroscopic partial meniscectomy than skin incisions only? A sham-controlled randomised trial in patients aged 35-55 years with knee pain and an MRI-verified meniscal tear. BMJ open. 2018;8(2):e019461.
Siemieniuk RAC, Harris IA, Agoritsas T, et al. Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knee arthritis and meniscal tears: a clinical practice guideline. BMJ (Clinical research ed). 2017;357:j1982.
Sihvonen R, Paavola M, Malmivaara A, et al. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus placebo surgery for a degenerative meniscus tear: a 2-year follow-up of the randomised controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(2):188-95.
Smith C, McGarvey C, Harb Z, et al. Diagnostic Efficacy of 3-T MRI for Knee Injuries Using Arthroscopy as a Reference Standard: A Meta-Analysis. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2016;207(2):369-77.
Smith TO, Postle K, Penny F, McNamara I, Mann CJ. Is reconstruction the best management strategy for anterior cruciate ligament rupture? A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction versus non-operative treatment. Knee. 2014;21(2):462-70.
Stubbings N, Smith T. Diagnostic test accuracy of clinical and radiological assessments for medial patella plica syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Knee. 2014;21(2):486-90.
Tan SHS, Lim SY, Wong KL, et al. The Outcomes of Isolated Distal Realignment Procedures in Patellofemoral Instability: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Knee Surg. 2020;33(6):547-52.
van de Graaf VA, Noorduyn JCA, Willigenburg NW, et al. Effect of Early Surgery vs Physical Therapy on Knee Function Among Patients With Nonobstructive Meniscal Tears: The ESCAPE Randomized Clinical Trial. Jama. 2018;320(13):1328-37.
Woelfle JV, Reichel H, Javaheripour-Otto K, et al. Clinical outcome and magnetic resonance imaging after osteochondral autologous transplantation in osteochondritis dissecans of the talus. Foot Ankle Int. 2013;34(2):173-9.
Zhang K, Crum RJ, Samuelsson K, et al. In-Office Needle Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Indications and Clinical Utility. Arthroscopy. 2019;35(9):2709-21.
Zwingmann J, Sudkamp NP, Schmal H, et al. Surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the talus: a systematic review. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2012;132(9):1241-50.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

CPT/HCPCS

27331	Arthrotomy, knee; including joint exploration, biopsy, or removal of loose or foreign bodies
27332	Arthrotomy, with excision of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) knee; medial OR lateral
27333	Arthrotomy, with excision of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) knee; medial AND lateral
27334	Arthrotomy, with synovectomy, knee; anterior OR posterior
27335	Arthrotomy, with synovectomy, knee; anterior AND posterior including popliteal area
27345	Excision synovial cyst popliteal space
27403	Arthrotomy with meniscus repair, knee
27405	Repair, primary, torn ligament and/or capsule, knee; collateral
27407	Repair, primary, torn ligament and/or capsule, knee; cruciate
27409	Repair, primary, torn ligament and/or capsule, knee; collateral and cruciate ligaments
27418	Anterior tibial tubercleplasty (eg, Maquet type procedure)
27420	Reconstruction of dislocating patella; (eg, Hauser type procedure)
27422	Reconstruction of dislocating patella; with extensor realignment and/or muscle advancement or release (eg, Campbell, Goldwaite type procedure)
27424	Reconstruction of dislocating patella; with patellectomy
27425	Lateral retinacular release, open
27427	Ligamentous reconstruction (augmentation), knee; extra-articular
27428	Ligamentous reconstruction (augmentation), knee; intra-articular (open)
27429	Ligamentous reconstruction (augmentation), knee; intra-articular (open) and extra-articular
27430	Quadricepsplasty (eg, Bennett or Thompson type)
27570	Manipulation of knee joint under general anesthesia (includes application of traction or other fixation devices)
29870	Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy (separate procedure)
29871	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for infection, lavage and drainage
29873	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lateral release
29874	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for removal of loose body or foreign body (eg, osteochondritis dissecans fragmentation, chondral fragmentation)
29875	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; synovectomy, limited (eg, plica or shelf resection) (separate procedure)
29876	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; synovectomy, major, 2 or more compartments (eg, medial or lateral)
29877	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty)
29879	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; abrasion arthroplasty (includes chondroplasty where necessary) or multiple drilling or microfracture
29880	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial AND lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed
29881	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy (medial OR lateral, including any meniscal shaving) including debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty), same or separate compartment(s), when performed
29882	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial OR lateral)
29883	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair (medial AND lateral)
29884	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lysis of adhesions, with or without manipulation (separate procedure)
29885	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; drilling for osteochondritis dissecans with bone grafting, with or without internal fixation (including debridement of base of lesion)
29886	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; drilling for intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion
29887	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; drilling for intact osteochondritis dissecans lesion with internal fixation
29888	Arthroscopically aided anterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction
29889	Arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction
29892	Arthroscopically aided repair of large osteochondritis dissecans lesion, talar dome fracture, or tibial plafond fracture, with or without internal fixation (includes arthroscopy)
0707T	Injection(s), bone-substitute material (eg, calcium phosphate) into subchondral bone defect (ie, bone marrow lesion, bone bruise, stress injury, microtrabecular fracture), including imaging guidance and arthroscopic assistance for joint visualization
G0289	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical, for removal of loose body, foreign body, debridement/shaving of articular cartilage (chondroplasty) at the time of other surgical knee arthroscopy in a different compartment of the same knee

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation of the Knee

Description and Scope

Meniscal allograft transplantation of the knee is a surgical procedure used to restore normal meniscal function by replacing a damaged or absent meniscus with donor cadaver allograft cartilage. The goal of the procedure is reduction in pain, prevention of degenerative changes to the cartilage and subchondral bone, and restoration of the mechanical properties of the knee joint. The procedure is an option for patients who have pain or disability attributed to insufficient cushioning and lubrication of the joint. A significant subset of these patients have undergone one or more procedures to remove portions of the meniscus due to tears or other injury.

This guideline addresses meniscal allograft transplantation of the knee when performed as an elective, non-emergent procedure and not as part of the care of an acute or traumatic event.

Clinical Indications

The following general requirements apply to all indications except where they differ from the specific requirements. The specific requirements take precedence over any stated general requirement.

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Operative report of a prior arthroscopic procedure and/or MRI of the knee performed within the past 12 months. The provider shall submit a detailed imaging report that correlates with clinical findings of the requested procedure. In the absence of a detailed report, the provider will be required to submit a report from an independent radiologist. The results of all imaging studies should correlate with the clinical findings in support of the requested procedure.

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program which includes flexibility and muscle strengthening exercises that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Meniscal Allograft Transplantation of the Knee

Meniscal allograft transplantation of the knee is considered medically necessary, when ALL the following criteria are met:

Age 55 or younger and skeletally mature
Significant partial (more than 50%) or complete loss of the meniscus, as documented by previous operative reports, MRI, or diagnostic arthroscopy
Persistent symptoms despite 12 weeks of conservative treatment
Ligamentous stability either prior to surgery or achieved concurrently with meniscal transplantation
Normal alignment without varus or valgus deformities
Mild to moderate articular damage (modified Outerbridge grade II or less)

Note: Corrective procedures (e.g., ligament or tendon repair, osteotomy for realignment, osteochondral treatment) may be performed in combination with, or prior to, transplantation.

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

Treatment for asymptomatic individuals with partial or complete loss of the meniscus
Use of other meniscal implants incorporating materials such as collagen and polyurethane

References

1. Beaufils P, Hulet C, Dhénain M, Nizard R, Nourissat G, Pujol N. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of meniscal lesions and isolated lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee in adults. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2009;95(6):437-42.

2. Bin SI, Kim HJ, Lee DH. Graft extrusion after medial and lateral MAT differs according to surgical technique: a meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2018;138(6):843-50.

3. Dangelmajer S, Familiari F, Simonetta R, et al. Meniscal Transplants and Scaffolds: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Knee Surg Relat Res. 2017;29(1):3-10.

4. De Bruycker M, Verdonk PCM, Verdonk RC. Meniscal allograft transplantation: a meta-analysis. Sicot-J. 2017;3:33.

5. Elattar M, Dhollander A, Verdonk R, et al. Twenty-six years of meniscal allograft transplantation: is it still experimental? A meta-analysis of 44 trials. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2011;19(2):147-57.

6. Filardo G, Andriolo L, Kon E, et al. Meniscal scaffolds: results and indications. A systematic literature review. Int Orthop. 2015;39(1):35-46.

7. Harston A, Nyland J, Brand E, et al. Collagen meniscus implantation: a systematic review including rehabilitation and return to sports activity. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(1):135-46.

8. Houck DA, Kraeutler MJ, Belk JW, et al. Similar clinical outcomes following collagen or polyurethane meniscal scaffold implantation: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2018;26(8):2259-69.

9. Linke RD, Ulmer M, Imhoff AB. Replacement of the Meniscus with a Collagen Implant (CMI). Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2007;33(4):435-40.

10. Mutsaerts EL, van Eck CF, van de Graaf VA, et al. Surgical interventions for meniscal tears: a closer look at the evidence. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2016;136(3):361-70.

11. Nepple JJ, Dunn WR, Wright RW. Meniscal repair outcomes at greater than five years: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2012;94(24):2222-7.

12. Novaretti JV, Patel NK, Lian J, et al. Long-Term Survival Analysis and Outcomes of Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2019;35(2):659-67.

13. Papalia R, Franceschi F, Diaz Balzani L, et al. Scaffolds for partial meniscal replacement: an updated systematic review. Br Med Bull. 2013;107:19-40.

14. Rodkey WG, DeHaven KE, Montgomery WH, 3rd, et al. Comparison of the collagen meniscus implant with partial meniscectomy. A prospective randomized trial. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90(7):1413-26.

15. Smith NA, Parsons N, Wright D, et al. A pilot randomized trial of meniscal allograft transplantation versus personalized physiotherapy for patients with a symptomatic meniscal deficient knee compartment. Bone Joint J. 2018;100-B(1):56-63.

16. Zaffagnini S, Grassi A, Marcheggiani Muccioli GM, et al. MRI evaluation of a collagen meniscus implant: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015;23(11):3228-37.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

CPT/HCPCS

29868	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; meniscal transplantation (includes arthrotomy for meniscal insertion), medial or lateral
G0428	Collagen meniscus implant procedure for filling meniscal defects (eg, CMI, collagen scaffold, Menaflex)

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Osteochondral Grafts

Description and Scope

Procedures to treat focal articular cartilage defects can be classified as:

Palliative (lavage, chondroplasty)
Reparative (microfracture, abrasion arthroplasty)
Restorative (autologous chondrocyte implantation, osteochondral allograft, or osteochondral autograft)*

The most widely used are bone marrow stimulation techniques to induce an influx of mesenchymal stem cells into the defect.

Chondroplasty or debridement is a smoothing or shaving of symptomatic partial-thickness cartilage lesions or chondral flaps (unstable mechanical source of pain). See Knee Arthroscopy section.

Microfracture involves drilling multiple holes through the subchondral bone to promote bleeding and fibrocartilage growth. See Knee Arthroscopy section.

Abrasion arthroplasty involves abrading the subchondral bone to the depth necessary to promote bleeding and fibrocartilage growth. See Knee Arthroscopy section.

Both microfracture and abrasion arthroplasty are typically performed on lesions less than 4 cm².

Other techniques involve transplantation of osteochondral tissue from non-weight bearing sites, autologous chondrocyte transplant, and use of synthetic bone filler material or scaffolds.

This guideline addresses treatment of osteochondral defects of the knee, ankle, and other joints using the following procedures or devices:

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)
Minced cartilage repair
Osteochondral allograft (OCA)
Osteochondral autograft transfer (OATS/mosaicplasty)
Resorbable synthetic bone filler materials
Microfracture

This guideline does not address osteochondral grafts specific for the spine.

Clinical Indications

The following general requirements apply to all indications except where they differ from the specific requirements. The specific requirements take precedence over any stated general requirement.

General Information

The terms in the section provide operational definitions when they are referenced as requirements in the guideline.

Documentation supporting medical necessity and a clearly stated plan of care should be submitted at the time of the request and must include the following components:

Physical therapy requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Physical therapy rendered by a qualified provider of physical therapy services
- Supervised home treatment program that includes ALL the following:
  - Participation in a patient-specific or tailored program
  - Initial active instruction by MD/DO/PT with redemonstration of patient ability to perform exercises
  - Compliance (documented or by clinician attestation on follow-up evaluation)
- Exception to the physical therapy requirement in unusual circumstances (for instance, intractable pain so severe that physical therapy is not possible) when clearly documented in the medical record
Complementary conservative treatment requirement includes ANY of the following:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and analgesics²
- Adjunctive medications such as nerve membrane stabilizers or muscle relaxants²
- Intra-articular corticosteroid injection(s)²
- Alternative therapies such as activity modification, and/or a trial period of rest (e.g., from the aggravating/contributing factors), where applicable

¹ Additional condition- or procedure-specific requirements may apply and can be found in the respective sections of the guideline.

² In the absence of contraindications

Failure of conservative management requires ALL the following:

Patient has completed a full course of conservative management (as defined above) for the current episode of care
Worsening of or no significant improvement in signs and/or symptoms upon clinical reevaluation
More invasive forms of therapy are being considered

Documentation of compliance with a plan of therapy that includes elements from these areas is required where conservative management is appropriate.

Patient Selection Requirements

Candidates for procedures included in this guideline must meet ALL the following requirements:

Skeletal maturity as documented by closure of growth plates or lesion location not in proximity to the growth plate
Disabling localized knee or ankle pain for at least 3 months, which persists despite 12 weeks of conservative management, unless a symptomatic loose body is present
Absence of localized or systemic infection
No history of cancer in the bones, cartilage, fat or muscle of the affected limb
Willingness and ability to comply with post-operative weight-bearing restrictions and rehabilitation

ALL the following lesion and joint characteristics must be present:

Lesion is discrete, single, and involves only one side of the joint
Lesion is largely contained with near normal surrounding articular cartilage and articulating cartilage
Joint space is normal without evidence of inflammatory or degenerative changes
Knee or ankle joint is stable with functionally intact menisci (knee) and ligaments
Normal alignment

Corrective procedures (e.g., ligament or tendon repair, osteotomy for realignment, meniscal allograft transplant or repair) may be performed in combination with, or prior to, transplantation.

Large Allograft Reconstructions

Segmental bone defects

Large osteochondral or segmental allografts are considered medically necessary when there is a large segmental defect of bone or bone and articular surface due to tumor, treated infection, or trauma that cannot be reconstructed using smaller osteochondral plugs or grafts.

Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Cartilaginous defects of the knee

Osteochondral allograft transplantation to treat cartilaginous defects of the knee is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Size of the cartilage defect is greater than or equal to 1.0 cm² in total area, as documented by MRI or arthroscopy
Presence of a focal, full thickness, (modified Outerbridge grade III or IV) isolated unipolar defect of the weight-bearing surface of the medial or lateral femoral condyles or trochlear region (trochlear groove of the femur) or patella

Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation

Cartilaginous defects of the knee

Osteochondral autograft transplantation, by either osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) or autologous mosaicplasty, is considered medically necessary to treat cartilaginous defects of the knee when ALL the following criteria are met:

Size of the cartilage defect is between 1.0 cm² and 2.5 cm² in total area, as documented by MRI or arthroscopy
Presence of a focal, full thickness, (modified Outerbridge grade III or IV) isolated unipolar defect of the knee involving the weight bearing surface of the medial or lateral femoral condyles or trochlear region (trochlear groove of the femur) or patella

Open treatment of cartilaginous defects of the talus

Osteochondral autograft transplantation by either osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT) or autologous mosaicplasty, is considered medically necessary to treat cartilaginous defects of the talus when ANY of the following criteria are met:

Large (area > 1.0 cm²) or cystic (volume > 3.0 cm³) osteochondral lesions of the talus without prior treatment
Revision surgery after failed marrow stimulation for osteochondral lesions of the talus

Arthroscopically Assisted Repair

Osteochondritis dissecans of the talus or osteochondral fractures/lesions of the tibiotalar joint

Arthroscopically assisted repair of osteochondritis dissecans of the talus or osteochondral fractures/lesions of the tibiotalar joint is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

- Disabling ankle pain for at least 12 weeks OR an acute injury/fracture necessitating reduction and/or fixation
- Recent imaging demonstrating an osteochondritis dissecans of the talus or a tibiotalar fracture/defect amenable to operative repair and/or fixation.

Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation

Cartilaginous defects of the knee/patella

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is considered medically necessary to treat cartilaginous defects of the knee/patella when ALL the following criteria are met:

Primary chondral defect is present or prior surgical procedure failed to correct the defect
Size of the cartilage defect is greater than or equal to 1.5 cm² in total area, as documented by MRI or arthroscopy (defects greater than 15 cm² may require more than one membrane)
Presence of a focal, full thickness, (modified Outerbridge grade III or IV) isolated unipolar defect of the knee involving the weight bearing surface of the medial or lateral femoral condyles or patellofemoral region (includes trochlear region, trochlear groove, and patella)
Defect involves only the cartilage and not the subchondral bone (Exception to this requirement: treatment of osteochondritis dissecans [OCD] associated with a bony defect of ≤10 mm in depth, which has failed prior conservative treatment. OCD lesions associated with a bony lesion >10 mm in depth must also undergo corrective bone grafting).
Documented minimal to absent degenerative changes in the surrounding articular cartilage (modified Outerbridge grade II or less) and normal-appearing hyaline cartilage surrounding the border of the defect
Normal knee biomechanics or alignment and stability achieved concurrently with autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)
No known allergy to gentamicin or other aminoglycosides
No known sensitivity to porcine or bovine cultures
No knee surgery within the previous 6 months (except surgery to procure a biopsy or a concomitant procedure to prepare the knee for a MACI implant)

Contraindications

All procedures listed in this guideline are contraindicated when ANY of the following are present:

Severe osteoarthritis of the knee (Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3 or 4)
Inflammatory arthritis, inflammatory joint disease, or uncorrected congenital blood coagulation disorders
Inability to cooperate with a physician-prescribed post-surgical rehabilitation program

Exclusions

Indications other than those addressed in this guideline are considered not medically necessary including, but not limited to, the following:

Use of non-autologous mosaicplasty with resorbable synthetic bone filler materials including, but not limited to, plugs and granules to repair osteochondral defects of the knee or ankle
Use of minced articular cartilage (whether synthetic, allograft or autograft) to repair osteochondral defects of the knee or ankle
Use of particulated juvenile articular cartilage (e.g., DeNovo^® NT Graft)
Use of decellularized osteochondral allograft plugs (e.g., Chondrofix^®) or reduced osteochondral allograft discs (e.g., ProChondrix^®, Cartiform^®) to repair osteochondral defects of the knee or ankle
Use of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) in joints other than the knee
Allografts preserved by nonstandard tissue bank methods (e.g., Missouri Osteochondral Preservation System [MOPS^®])
Use of larger allografts that involve removing and replacing half or more of the articular surfaces of the knee as an alternative to traditional total joint replacement (e.g., hemi condylar or total condylar for degenerative conditions)
The use of engineered calcium phosphate mineral or similar compounds (e.g., AccuFill^® Bone Substitute Material) to fill subchondral bone defects or bone marrow lesions (BML)

References

Andrade R, Nunes J, Hinckel BB, et al. Cartilage Restoration of Patellofemoral Lesions: A Systematic Review. Cartilage. 2021;13(1_suppl):57S-73S.
Andrade R, Vasta S, Papalia R, et al. Prevalence of Articular Cartilage Lesions and Surgical Clinical Outcomes in Football (Soccer) Players’ Knees: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(7):1466-77.
Andriolo L, Merli G, Filardo G, et al. Failure of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev. 2017;25(1):10-8.
Angthong C, Yoshimura I, Kanazawa K, et al. Critical three-dimensional factors affecting outcome in osteochondral lesion of the talus. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013;21(6):1418-26.
Buda R, Vannini F, Cavallo M, et al. One-step bone marrow-derived cell transplantation in talarosteochondral lesions: mid-term results. Joints. 2013;1(3):102-7.
de l’Escalopier N, Barbier O, Mainard D, et al. Outcomes of talar dome osteochondral defect repair using osteocartilaginous autografts: 37 cases of Mosaicplasty. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2015;101(1):97-102.
Devitt BM, Bell SW, Webster KE, Feller JA, Whitehead TS. Surgical treatments of cartilage defects of the knee: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Knee. 2017;24(3):508-17.
DiBartola AC, Wright BM, Magnussen RA, Flanigan DC. Clinical Outcomes After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation in Adolescents’ Knees: A Systematic Review. Arthroscopy. 2016;32(9):1905-16.
Donoso R, Figueroa D, Espinoza J, et al. Osteochondral Autologous Transplantation for Treating Patellar High-Grade Chondral Defects: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019;7(10):2325967119876618.
Ebert JR, Fallon M, Smith A, et al. Prospective clinical and radiologic evaluation of patellofemoral matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(6):1362-72.
Ebert JR, Schneider A, Fallon M, et al. A Comparison of 2-Year Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Tibiofemoral or Patellofemoral Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation. Am J Sports Med. 2017;45(14):3243-53.
Emre TY, Ege T, Cift HT, et al. Open mosaicplasty in osteochondral lesions of the talus: a prospective study. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2012;51(5):556-60.
Georgiannos D, Bisbinas I, Badekas A. Osteochondral transplantation of autologous graft for the treatment of osteochondral lesions of talus: 5- to 7-year follow-up. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(12):3722-9.
Gigante A, Enea D, Greco F, et al. Distal realignment and patellar autologous chondrocyte implantation: mid-term results in a selected population. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2009;17(1):2-10.
Ginesin E, Chari NS, Barnhart J, et al. Cartilage Restoration for Isolated Patellar Chondral Defects: An Updated Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2023;11(5):23259671231153422.
Gottschalk O, Altenberger S, Baumbach S, et al. Functional Medium-Term Results After Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A 5-Year Prospective Cohort Study. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2017;56(5):930-6.
Goyal D, Goyal A, Keyhani S, Lee EH, Hui JH. Evidence-based status of second- and third-generation autologous chondrocyte implantation over first generation: a systematic review of level I and II studies. Arthroscopy. 2013;29(11):1872-8.
Hoburg A, Niemeyer P, Laute V, et al. Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation with Spheroid Technology Is Superior to Arthroscopic Microfracture at 36 Months Regarding Activities of Daily Living and Sporting Activities after Treatment. Cartilage. 2020:1947603519897290.
Krych AJ, Pareek A, King AH, et al. Return to sport after the surgical management of articular cartilage lesions in the knee: a meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017;25(10):3186-96.
Macmull S, Jaiswal PK, Bentley G, et al. The role of autologous chondrocyte implantation in the treatment of symptomatic chondromalacia patellae. Int Orthop. 2012;36(7):1371-7.
Mistry H, Connock M, Pink J, Shyangdan D, Clar C, Royle P, Court R, Biant LC, Metcalfe A, Waugh N. Autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee: systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess. 2017;21(6):1-294.
Mundi R, Bedi A, Chow L, Crouch S, Simunovic N, Sibilsky Enselman E, Ayeni OR. Cartilage Restoration of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Level 1 Studies. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(7):1888-95.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Autologous chondrocyte implantation for treating symptomatic articular cartilage defects of the knee: technology appraisal guidance, (2017) London, UK, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 24 pgs.
Nawaz SZ, Bentley G, Briggs TW, et al. Autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee: mid-term to long-term results. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014;96(10):824-30.
Niemeyer P, Albrecht D, Andereya S, et al. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for cartilage defects of the knee: A guideline by the working group “Clinical Tissue Regeneration” of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma (DGOU). Knee. 2016;23(3):426–35.
Niemeyer P, Laute V, Zinser W, et al. A Prospective, Randomized, Open-Label, Multicenter, Phase III Noninferiority Trial to Compare the Clinical Efficacy of Matrix-Associated Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation With Spheroid Technology Versus Arthroscopic Microfracture for Cartilage Defects of the Knee. Orthop J Sports Med. 2019;7(7):2325967119854442.
Polat G, Ersen A, Erdil ME, et al. Long-term results of microfracture in the treatment of talus osteochondral lesions. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2016;24(4):1299-303.
Reilingh ML, Kerkhoffs GM, Telkamp CJ, et al. Treatment of osteochondral defects of the talus in children. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2014;22(9):2243-9.
Riboh JC, Cvetanovich GL, Cole BJ, et al. Comparative efficacy of cartilage repair procedures in the knee: a network meta-analysis. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017;25(12):3786-99.
Ventura A, Terzaghi C, Legnani C, et al. Treatment of post-traumatic osteochondral lesions of the talus: a four-step approach. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013;21(6):1245-50.
Zengerink M, Struijs PA, Tol JL, et al. Treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus: a systematic review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010;18(2):238-46.

Codes

The following code list is not meant to be all-inclusive. Authorization requirements will vary by health plan. Please consult the applicable health plan for guidance on specific procedure codes.

CPT/HCPCS

20932	Allograft, includes templating, cutting, placement and internal fixation, when performed; osteoarticular, including articular surface and contiguous bone (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20933	Allograft, includes templating, cutting, placement and internal fixation, when performed; hemicortical intercalary, partial (ie, hemicylindrical) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20934	Allograft, includes templating, cutting, placement and internal fixation, when performed; intercalary, complete (ie, cylindrical) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
27412	Autologous chondrocyte implantation, knee
27415	Osteochondral allograft, knee, open [when specified as osteochondral allograft]
27416	Osteochondral autograft(s), knee, open (eg, mosaicplasty) includes harvesting of autograft[s])
28446	Open osteochondral autograft, talus (includes obtaining graft[s])
29866	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral autograft(s) (eg, mosaicplasty) (includes harvesting of the autograft)
29867	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral allograft (eg, mosaicplasty)
29892	Arthroscopically aided repair of large osteochondritis dissecans lesion, talar dome fracture, or tibial plafond fracture, with or without internal fixation (includes arthroscopy)
J7330	Autologous cultured chondrocytes, implant
S2112	Arthroscopy, knee, surgical for harvesting of cartilage (chondrocyte cells)
0707T	Injection(s), bone-substitute material (eg, calcium phosphate) into subchondral bone defect (ie, bone marrow lesion, bone bruise, stress injury, microtrabecular fracture), including imaging guidance and arthroscopic assistance for joint visualization

ICD-10 Diagnosis

Refer to the ICD-10 CM manual

Bone Growth Stimulation of the Appendicular Skeleton: Ultrasound, Noninvasive, Invasive and Semi-Invasive

Scope

This guideline addresses the use of ultrasound and electrical bone growth stimulation (BGS) devices for the treatment of orthopedic conditions of the appendicular skeleton. This guideline does not address electrical bone growth stimulation of the spine.

Clinical Indications

Ultrasound Bone Growth Stimulation (Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound)

Examples of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound system (LIPUS) devices include AccelStim™, Manafuse™, and Exogen 2000^®.

Noninvasive, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment is considered medically necessary for the treatment of ANY of the following indications:

Nonunion of a fracture secondary to trauma or surgery of any long bone (clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula, metacarpal or metatarsal bone) or carpal /tarsal bone of the appendicular skeleton when ALL the following criteria are met:
- At least 3 months have passed since the date of the fracture or initial/index surgery
- No progressive signs of healing have occurred on at least two (2) serial radiographs in the preceding three (3)-month period
- The fracture gap is less than 1 centimeter
- The device is FDA approved for use on the involved bone
Fresh, closed, posteriorly displaced distal radius fractures
Fresh, closed or Grade I open tibial diaphysis fractures in skeletally mature adult individuals when these fractures are orthopedically managed by closed reduction and cast immobilization
Closed fracture sites at high risk for nonunion due to location AND ANY of the following:
- Poor vascular supply, such as:
  - Fractures of the carpal navicular bone (scaphoid fracture)
  - 5th metatarsal bone fractures (Jones fracture)
- Fractures associated with at least ONE of the following:
  - Extensive soft tissue
  - Vascular damage
Closed fractures at high risk for nonunion from compromised healing due to ANY of the following comorbidities/risk factors:
- Diabetes
- Renal disease
- Other metabolic diseases
- History of tobacco use
- History of alcoholism
- Obesity, generally defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30, or more than 50% over ideal body weight (IBW) for severe obesity
- Nutritional deficiency
- Severe anemia
- Steroid therapy

Concurrent use of noninvasive ultrasound and electrical bone growth stimulation devices is considered not medically necessary.

Noninvasive Electrical Bone Growth Stimulation

Example devices include PhysioStim™, EBI^® Bone Healing System, CMF OrthoLogic 1000 (OL1000™) Bone Growth Stimulator, and OrthoPak® Noninvasive Bone Growth Stimulator System.

Noninvasive electrical bone growth stimulation is considered medically necessary when ALL the following criteria are met:

Treatment is for ANY of the following conditions:
- Nonunion of a fracture secondary to trauma or surgery of any long bone (clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula, metacarpal or metatarsal bone) or carpal/tarsal bone of the appendicular skeleton
- Congenital pseudarthroses of any bone of the appendicular skeleton
- Failed arthrodesis of the ankle or knee
At least 3 months have passed since the date of the fracture or initial/index surgery
No progressive signs of healing have occurred on at least two (2) serial radiographs in the preceding three (3)-month period
The fracture gap is less than 1 centimeter
The device is FDA approved for use on the involved bone

Invasive and Semi-Invasive Electrical Bone Growth Stimulators

Example devices include EBI^® OsteoGen^® Implantable Bone Growth Stimulator and OsteoGen^® D40 Implantable Bone Growth Stimulator.

Invasive (implantable) and semi-invasive electrical bone growth stimulators are considered not medically necessary for all indications in the appendicular skeleton.

Exclusions

Noninvasive electrical and ultrasonic bone growth stimulation of any bone of the appendicular skeleton is considered not medically necessary when the above criteria are not met including, but not limited to, treatment of ANY of the following:

As an adjunct to (i.e., at the time of or immediately after) distraction osteogenesis procedures for any indication (e.g., limb lengthening, nonunion, or tibial defects)
Delayed/incomplete union fractures
Fresh fractures (except indications under Ultrasound BGS)
Pathological fractures due to bone pathology or tumor/malignancy
Stress fractures
Immediate postsurgical treatment after appendicular skeletal surgery
Nonunion with associated draining osteomyelitis or presence of synovial pseudarthroses
Concurrent use of noninvasive electrical and ultrasound bone growth stimulation devices
Congenital pseudarthroses (exclusion applies to ultrasonic only)

Appendix

Kellgren-Lawrence grading system for radiographic assessment of cartilage damage

Grade	Description
0	Normal
1	Doubtful narrowing of joint space and possible osteophytic lipping
2	Definite osteophytes, definite narrowing of joint space
3	Moderate multiple osteophytes, definite narrowing of joint space, some sclerosis and possible deformity of bone contour
4	Large osteophytes, marked narrowing of joint space, severe sclerosis and definite deformity of bone contour

Modified Outerbridge grading system for MRI assessment of cartilage damage

Grade	Description
0	Normal
I	Signal intensity alterations with an intact surface of the articular cartilage compared with the surrounding normal cartilage
II	Partial-thickness defect with fissures on the surface that do not reach subchondral bone or exceed 1.5 cm in diameter
III	Fissuring to the level of subchondral bone in an area with a diameter more than 1.5 cm
IV	Exposed subchondral bone head

Tönnis grading system for radiographic assessment of osteoarthritis

Grade	Description
0	No signs of osteoarthritis
1	Mild: increased sclerosis, slight narrowing of the joint space, no or slight loss of head sphericity
2	Moderate: small cysts, moderate narrowing of the joint space, and moderate loss of head sphericity
3	Severe: large cysts, severe narrowing or obliteration of the joint space, severe deformity of the head

History

Status	Review Date	Effective Date	Action
Revised	04/15/2026	11/15/2026	Independent Multispecialty Physician Panel (IMPP) review. Clarifications to the General Clinical Guideline address active infection as a contraindication for surgery, post-service reviews, and repeated requests during an active authorization period. Standardized required duration of conservative management to 12 weeks across all procedures, with an allowance for shorter duration for severe ADL impacts. Shoulder/Hip/Knee Arthroplasty – require 12 weeks from arthroscopy procedure prior to arthroplasty to minimize risk of infection. Shoulder/Hip/Knee Arthroscopy – added exclusion for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 osteoarthritis. Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total/Partial/ Revision Shoulder Replacement) – added scenario for hemiarthroplasty with failed prior fixation; clarified that joint reconstruction can apply to benign or malignant tumors. Shoulder/Knee Arthroscopy – expanded allowance for removal of loose body for shoulder/knee pain in the absence of associated symptoms. Rotator cuff repair – specified that shoulder pain must interfere with age-appropriate ADLs. Chondroplasty/ debridement – extended conservative management requirement from 6 to 12 weeks for patients without frequent mechanical symptoms. Osteochondral Grafts – for cartilaginous defects of the knee, added patella to align with Osteochondral Allograft, MACI; added exclusion for the use of engineered calcium phosphate mineral or similar compounds. New criteria to address the use of electrical and ultrasound bone growth stimulation devices for treatment of orthopedic conditions of the appendicular skeleton. Added references. Added CPT codes 20974, 20979; HCPCS codes E0747, E0748, E0749, E0760.
Revised	04/21/2025	11/15/2025	IMPP review. Revised Clinical Appropriateness Framework to address unlisted procedures and post-service authorization. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty – revised range of motion criterion to be more expansive. Revision or Replacement of a Shoulder Prosthesis – added criteria related to periprosthetic joint infection. Shoulder Arthroscopy and Open Procedures: Rotator cuff repair (full thickness, partial thickness, revision) and Labrum repair – lowered VAS pain rating threshold from 4 to 3; reworded criterion about physical exam tests to be less prescriptive; Adhesive capsulitis – lowered VAS pain rating threshold from 4 to 3; Acromioclavicular arthritis – reworded criterion about physical exam tests to be less prescriptive; Tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps – added criteria for SLAP tear. Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty – added criteria related to periprosthetic joint infection. Resection Arthroplasty of the Hip – added chronic hip dislocation. Patellofemoral Arthroplasty – clarified contraindications to specify ligament injuries and prior meniscectomy. Revision Knee Arthroplasty – added criteria related to periprosthetic joint infection. Knee Arthroscopy: Meniscal repair or meniscectomy – reworded criterion about physical exam tests to be less prescriptive; Posterior cruciate ligament repair or reconstruction – added criterion for persistent instability despite conservative treatment; Excision of popliteal cyst – lowered VAS pain rating threshold from 4 to 3; extended duration of pain from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. Minor clarifications in multiple sections.
Updated codes 01/01/2025	n/a	Unchanged	Added HCPCS code C8003.
Revised	07/16/2024, 04/15/2024	11/17/2024	IMPP review. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty – added requirement of impaired function for 6 months; removed requirement for conservative management when osteoarthritis is severe. Removal of loose body (shoulder and hip arthroscopy) – removed requirement for specific findings on exam. Rotator cuff repair and revision – added exclusion for subacromial balloon spacer. Labrum repair – removed Bankart lesion to allow for any labral tear on MRI. Chronic shoulder instability or laxity – allow any evidence of instability on exam. Biceps tendinopathy – removed specific exam findings related to long head of biceps pathology. Primary total hip arthroplasty – removed requirements for conservative management and 3-month duration of symptoms when osteoarthritis is severe. Primary partial hip arthroplasty – combined criteria with partial hip resurfacing. Knee arthroplasty – excluded use of implantable shock absorber. Knee arthroscopy ACL reconstruction – removed scenario of physically demanding occupation/ activities. Excision of popliteal cyst – added imaging requirement. Excluded use of engineered calcium phosphate mineral in the repair of subchondral bone defects (subchondroplasty). Osteochondritis dissecans – moved criteria/codes to knee arthroscopy, changed to either failed conservative management or unstable lesion. Osteochondral grafts – included patients with open growth plates if not in proximity to plate, excluded use of particulated juvenile articular cartilage, allograft transplantation – allowed patellar defect. Added references. Added CPT code 0707T.
Updated codes 10/20/2024	n/a	Unchanged	Added HCPCS code C9781.
Revised	04/12/2023	11/05/2023	IMPP review. Multiple joints: Added indications for removal of loose body. Added conservative management requirement for synovectomy, and exclusion for post-traumatic reactive synovitis; added indications for limited and extensive synovectomy in the knee. Shoulder: Modified conservative management requirements RCT, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder debridement. Added exclusions for subacromial balloon spacer and shoulder resurfacing. Added indications for symptomatic os acromiale and symptomatic mechanical impingement. Hip: Added indications for primary partial hip arthroplasty and partial/total hip resurfacing; added exclusion for non-intraarticular hip procedures. Knee: Modified conservative management requirements for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Revision knee arthroplasty – added indication for reconstruction after post knee replacement infection. Patellar compression syndrome – added exclusion for central or medial tracking of the patella. Osteochondral grafts: Revised patient selection requirements, added indications and exclusions. Added CPT codes 20932, 20933, 20934; HCPCS code S2118. Updated references. Added guidance for correct coding to code sections. Added required language to the General Clinical Guideline per new Medicare regulations.
Revised	11/11/2021	09/11/2022	IMPP review. For total shoulder arthroplasty, added fracture indication and exception for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4. For hemiarthroplasty, added indications for malignancy of the glenohumeral joint and for glenohumeral arthritis with irreparable rotator cuff tear (exclusion removed). For reverse shoulder arthroplasty, added indication for when glenoid bone stock inadequate to support prosthesis. For labrum repair, removed requirement that SLAP lesion is traumatic on MRI. For adhesive capsulitis, matched requirements in knee arthroscopy; reduced timeframe of conservative management to 6 weeks post-surgery for lysis of adhesions/capsular release and MUA. Added patellofemoral osteoarthritis as an indication for total knee arthroplasty. For knee arthroscopy, new indication for abrasion arthroplasty/microfracture; removed 12-week post-surgery requirement for MUA and arthroscopically assisted lysis of adhesions. Added CPT code 27345. Removed BMI from patient criteria in treatment of osteochondral defects. Added contraindications for autologous chondrocyte implantation per MACI package insert. Updated references.
Revised	12/03/2020	09/12/2021	IMPP review. Aligned conservative care definitions across musculoskeletal surgery and extremity imaging guidelines. Added a more rigorous definition of the supervised home PT requirement for cervical and lumbar surgery. Removed cognitive behavioral therapy as a conservative care modality. New indication for diagnostic shoulder, hip, and knee arthroscopy. Removed massive tear as a contraindication for rotator cuff repair. Added recurrent subluxation as a new indication for capsulorrhaphy. Added new criteria and removed foreign body criteria for synovectomy. New indication for debridement. Removed rotator cuff tear as a criterion for tenodesis/tenotomy in select patients. For primary total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty, added an exception to conservative management for end-stage osteoarthritis. For hip arthroscopy, modified conservative management requirements; added an exception to full conservative management based on alpha angle; removed age as an exclusion for FAIS but further defined radiographic exclusions. For knee arthroplasty, added degenerative change of the patellofemoral joint as a contraindication. For knee arthroscopy, more expansive approach to physical exam findings; aligned with criteria for MUA; added radiographic criteria for distal realignment procedures and MPFL reconstruction. New criteria for plica resection.
Revised	07/08/2020	03/14/2021	IMPP review. For knee arthroscopy and open procedures, added indications for quadricepsplasty, distal realignment procedures for patellar instability (subluxation/dislocation), and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Added CPT codes 23000, 23020, 27418, 27420, 27422, 27424, and 27430.
Updated	–	01/01/2021	2021 Annual CPT code update: descriptions changed for 23466, 29822, and 29823.
Revised	08/12/2019	05/17/2020	IMPP review. Added steroid injection within the past 6 weeks as a contraindication for shoulder and hip arthroplasty. For shoulder arthroscopy, added exclusions for xenografts, platelet-rich plasma, and subacromial decompression, and removed indication for subacromial impingement with rotator cuff tear. Added new labral tear indication for hip arthroscopy. For knee arthroscopy, added new chondroplasty indication, narrowed use of lateral release to lateral compression as a cause for anterior knee pain or chondromalacia patella, added conservative management and advanced osteoarthritis exclusion for patellar compression syndrome. Added CPT codes 27425 and 27570.
Revised	11/28/2018	06/29/2019	IMPP review. All sections: Clarified conservative management options and removed nicotine-free documentation requirement. For shoulder arthroscopy, updated criteria for subacromial impingement syndrome and tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps. New indication for synovectomy/debridement. Added steroid injection exclusion for shoulder, hip, and knee arthroplasty. Updated criteria for primary and revision total hip arthroplasty. New guideline for resection arthroplasty. For hip arthroscopy, expanded appropriate techniques for FAI surgery to include acetabuloplasty and femoroplasty, added radiographic and clinical criteria to include FAIS-related symptoms. New guideline for elective patellofemoral arthroplasty; added clinical scenarios for revision of prior knee arthroplasty. For knee arthroscopy, changes to meniscal repair/meniscectomy, and new guideline for arthroscopically assisted lysis of adhesions and manipulation under anesthesia. Meniscal allograft transplantation: Added exclusion for collagen meniscal implants. New criteria for talar osteochondral defects, allow patellar surface autologous chondrocyte implantation, and exclude use of decellularized osteochondral allograft plugs and reduced osteochondral allograft discs to repair osteochondral defects. Added CPT codes 27120, 27122, 27437, 27445, 27488, 28446, 29871, and 29892. Added HCPCS code G0428.
Revised	07/11/2018	03/09/2019	IMPP review. Added the General Clinical Guideline.
Updated	–	01/01/2019	2019 Annual CPT and HCPCS code updates: added 23700, G0289, G0428, J7330, and S2112.
Created	07/17/2017	11/01/2017	IMPP review. Original effective date.

Joint Surgery 2026-11-15

Clinical Appropriateness Guidelines

Table of Contents

Description and Application of the Guidelines

General Clinical Guideline

Clinical Appropriateness Framework

Simultaneous Ordering of Multiple Diagnostic or Therapeutic Interventions

Repeat Diagnostic Intervention

Repeat Therapeutic Intervention

Shoulder Arthroplasty (Total/Partial/Revision Shoulder Replacement)

Description and Scope

Clinical Indications

General Information

General Recommendations

Specific Requirements

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

Hemiarthroplasty

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty

Revision or Conversion of a Prior Shoulder Arthroplasty

Contraindications

Exclusions

References

Codes

Shoulder Arthroscopy and Open Procedures

Description and Scope

Clinical Indications

General Information

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Diagnostic arthroscopy

Exclusions

Removal of loose body

Exclusion

Rotator Cuff Repair

Acute full thickness tear

Chronic partial or full thickness tear

Contraindications

Revision Rotator Cuff Repair

Revision rotator cuff repair

Contraindications

Exclusions

Labral Repair

Labral tear associated with Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior (SLAP) tear

Labral tear or capsular redundancy associated with shoulder instability or laxity

Other Arthroscopic and Open Procedures

Acromioclavicular arthritis

Adhesive capsulitis

Subacromial impingement syndrome

Synovectomy

Exclusion

Debridement

Tendinopathy of the long head of the biceps

Exclusions

References

Codes

Hip Arthroplasty (Total/Partial/Revision Hip Replacement, Acetabuloplasty, Resection Arthroplasty)

Description and Scope

Clinical Indications

General Information

General Recommendations

Total Hip Arthroplasty

Partial Hip Arthroplasty

Hip Resurfacing

Contraindications

Revision or Conversion of a Prior Hip Arthroplasty

Acetabuloplasty (Whitman, Colonna, Haygroves, or cup type)*

Resection Arthroplasty of the Hip

Contraindications

Exclusions

References

Codes

Hip Arthroscopy

Description and Scope

Clinical Indications

General Information

Table 1. Quantification of Hip Radiographic Measurements

Hip Arthroscopy

Diagnostic arthroscopy

Exclusions

Synovectomy

Exclusion