27446 Revision of knee joint
Also known as: complex knee revision, revision with reconstruction, partial knee replacement, unicompartmental knee
Surgical revision of the knee joint with prosthetic and soft tissue reconstruction including ligamentous repair, capsular reconstruction, or implant and soft tissue revision.
In Plain Language
major revision of a knee implant
Clinical Context
Used for complex failures including ligamentous insufficiency, severe bone loss, or failed prior revision. Requires extensive reconstruction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 16.70 |
| Total RVU | 16.70 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 16.70, this code ranks in the 76th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.1x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27446?
CPT 27446 (Revision of knee joint) is a Surgery code. Surgical revision of the knee joint with prosthetic and soft tissue reconstruction including ligamentous repair, capsular reconstruction, or implant and soft tissue revision.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27446?
The work RVU for CPT 27446 is 16.70. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Joint Replacement, Knee Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27446 used?
Used for complex failures including ligamentous insufficiency, severe bone loss, or failed prior revision. Requires extensive reconstruction.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.