29897 Ankle arthroscopy/surgery
Also known as: syndesmosis repair, high ankle sprain repair, syndesmotic fixation
Arthroscopic repair of ankle syndesmotic injury, including syndesmotic ligament reconstruction or reduction of the tibiofibular joint space.
In Plain Language
high ankle sprain repair; ankle bone separation repair
Clinical Context
Indicated for high ankle sprains with syndesmotic ligament disruption or anterior tibiofibular ligament injury causing instability; less common than anterior talofibular ligament injuries.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.14 |
| Total RVU | 7.14 |
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 7.14, this code ranks in the 46th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 29897?
CPT 29897 (Ankle arthroscopy/surgery) is a Surgery code. Arthroscopic repair of ankle syndesmotic injury, including syndesmotic ligament reconstruction or reduction of the tibiofibular joint space.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 29897?
The work RVU for CPT 29897 is 7.14. This code is primarily used by Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Foot and Ankle Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 29897 used?
Indicated for high ankle sprains with syndesmotic ligament disruption or anterior tibiofibular ligament injury causing instability; less common than anterior talofibular ligament injuries.
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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.