Arthroscopic surgical procedure converted to open procedure

This code signifies that a planned arthroscopic surgical intervention was initiated but could not be completed arthroscopically and required conversion to an open surgical approach to achieve the therapeutic goal. This typically occurs due to unforeseen complications, anatomical challenges, or the inability to adequately address the pathology using minimally invasive techniques.

This code is appropriate when a surgeon begins an arthroscopic procedure (e.g., knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy) but encounters circumstances necessitating a change to an open incision to complete the surgery. Examples include unexpected extensive pathology, instrument breakage, or inability to visualize or manipulate tissues adequately through the arthroscope.

• This code is a secondary diagnosis and should always be reported in conjunction with the definitive surgical procedure code(s) and the primary reason for the surgery.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the initial intent was arthroscopic and explicitly details the conversion to an open approach.
• Do not use this code if the procedure was planned as an open procedure from the outset, even if an arthroscope was used for initial visualization.