29880

Arthroscopic Meniscectomy, Medial and Lateral, Knee

CPT code 29880 describes a surgical arthroscopic procedure performed on the knee joint that involves the excision or debridement of both the medial and lateral menisci. The menisci are crescent-shaped fibrocartilage structures located between the femoral condyles and the tibial plateau that serve as shock absorbers and provide joint stability. During this procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions (portals) to insert an arthroscope and specialized surgical instruments. The surgeon visualizes the internal structures of the knee and identifies tears or degenerative changes in both the medial and lateral meniscus. Using tools such as shavers, biters, and probes, the surgeon removes the torn or damaged portions of the meniscal tissue while attempting to preserve as much healthy, stable tissue as possible. This procedure is specifically indicated when there is pathology requiring surgical intervention in both the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) compartments of the knee. Per the CPT instruction, this code also includes the debridement of articular cartilage (chondroplasty) in the same or separate compartments of the knee when performed. The procedure aims to alleviate symptoms such as mechanical catching, locking, pain, and swelling caused by meniscal fragments. By smoothing out the torn edges, the surgeon reduces the inflammatory response and restores better mechanical function to the knee joint. This is a common outpatient procedure that usually requires postoperative rehabilitation to restore range of motion and strength.

Clinical Indications

  • Symptomatic medial and lateral meniscus tears
  • Mechanical locking or catching of the knee joint
  • Persistent knee pain and swelling localized to joint lines
  • Failure of conservative management including physical therapy and NSAIDs
  • Joint instability associated with meniscal pathology
  • Restricted range of motion due to displaced meniscal fragments

Procedure Steps

  1. Anesthesia administration and patient positioning (supine).
  2. Creation of standard arthroscopic portals (usually anterolateral and anteromedial).
  3. Diagnostic arthroscopy of the entire knee joint, including the patellofemoral joint and notch.
  4. Probing and evaluation of the medial meniscus to determine the pattern and extent of the tear.
  5. Resection of the torn medial meniscus tissue using arthroscopic biters and shavers until a stable rim is achieved.
  6. Probing and evaluation of the lateral meniscus.
  7. Resection of the torn lateral meniscus tissue to create a stable, smooth contour.
  8. Performance of articular cartilage debridement (chondroplasty) if defects are present.
  9. Thorough irrigation of the joint to remove debris.
  10. Closure of portals with sutures or adhesive strips and application of a sterile dressing.

Coding Guidelines

  • Code 29880 is used for meniscectomy of both medial and lateral compartments.
  • Do not report 29880 in conjunction with 29881 (single compartment meniscectomy).
  • Chondroplasty (29877) is bundled into 29880 and should not be reported separately in the same knee.
  • If only one meniscus (medial OR lateral) is treated, report 29881 instead.
  • For meniscal repairs, see codes 29882 (single) and 29883 (both).
  • Modifier 50 should be used if the procedure is performed on both the right and left knees (bilateral procedure), though some payers prefer LT/RT.
  • 29880 is a component of more extensive procedures like 29888 (ACL repair) in some coding scenarios; check NCCI edits.

Associated ICD-10 Codes