27580 Fusion of knee
Also known as: knee arthrodesis, knee fusion
Surgical fusion (arthrodesis) of the knee joint through internal fixation, eliminating joint motion to provide stability and pain relief in severely damaged joints.
In Plain Language
fusing the knee bones together
Clinical Context
Used for severe knee arthritis, chronic instability, or failed arthroplasty in young or high-demand patients.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 20.57 |
| Total RVU | 20.57 |
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 20.57, this code ranks in the 83rd percentile among Surgery codes — 2.6x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 27580?
CPT 27580 (Fusion of knee) is a Surgery code. Surgical fusion (arthrodesis) of the knee joint through internal fixation, eliminating joint motion to provide stability and pain relief in severely damaged joints.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 27580?
The work RVU for CPT 27580 is 20.57. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Knee Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 27580 used?
Used for severe knee arthritis, chronic instability, or failed arthroplasty in young or high-demand patients.
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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.