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Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 1 of 22
Electrothermal Arthroscopy
POLICY HISTORY
Last Review: 07/09/2021
Effective: 06/22/2001
Next Review: 05/26/2022
Review History
Definitions
Additional Information
Clinical Policy Bulletin
Notes
Number: 0545
POLICY
*Please see amendment for Pennsylvania Medicaid at the end of this CPB.
Aetna considers electrothermal arthroscopy (also known as
electrothermally-assisted capsule shift, and electrothermally-assisted
capsulorrhaphy (ETAC)) of the joint capsule, ligaments, or tendons
experimental and investigational for all indications, including any of the
following because available scientific evidence does not permit
conclusions concerning the long-term effects on health outcomes (not an
all-inclusive list):
Achilles injuries; or
Adhesive capsulitis; or
Ankle, hip, knee, or thumb instability; or
Bankart lesions; or
Bony avulsion of the capsule; or
Deficient or thin capsule; or
Frozen shoulder; or
Glenohumeral joint (shoulder) instability; or
Hill-Sachs lesions; or
Humeral-side avulsion of the capsule; or
Ligament tear and meniscal injury of the knee; or
Multi-directional instability; or
Partial scapholunate ligament tears; or
Temporomandibular joint dislocation; or
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 2 of 22
Wrist injuries.
See also CPB 0475 - Coblation (../400_499/0475.html).
BACKGROUND
Thermal capsular shrinkage, also known as thermal capsulorrhaphy, is an
arthroscopic procedure performed under general anesthesia that utilizes
thermal energy/heat to shrink the tendons or ligaments of the synovial
joint. Thermal capsulorrhaphy purportedly increases stability of the joint. It
is theorized that when heat is applied to the tissue a molecular change
occurs to the structure of collagen (the chief component of connective
tissue, tendons and bones) causing the length of the collagen to shrink
and tighten.
Examples of thermal capsular shrinkage devices include, but may not be
limited to: ArthroCare system 2000 CAPS X ArthroWand; ORA-50
electrothermal system and accessories; VULCAN EAS electrothermal
arthroscopy system and accessories; VAPR TC electrode for use with
VAPR II electrosurgical system.
The shoulder joint is a ball and socket type of joint that permits a wide
range of movement. Its bony structures include the humerus and the
shallow cavity (the glenoid) of the shoulder blade, thus making it
inherently unstable. A circle of ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage
form a capsule around the joint to maintain stability. The glenoid labrum
is the fibro-cartilage ring attached to the rim of the glenoid cavity, and acts
to stabilize the humeral head inside the glenoid. The Bankart lesion is a
specific injury to a part of the shoulder joint called the labrum.
Shoulder instability is defined as excessive movements of the shoulder
that cause pain in daily activities or sporting activities. Dislocations occur
when the head of the humerus completely pops out of the socket, and
typically are the result of a complete dislocation with capsulo-labral
avulsion, a tearing away of the labrum from the glenoid rim. The first few
times this happens, it is usually with significant, high-energy trauma.
After that, it can get easier and easier for the joint to dislocate. Most
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 3 of 22
shoulder dislocations are anterior. Subluxation is the feeling that the
shoulder slips slightly out of socket, then immediately comes back in
place.
The cause of this instability varies. Sometimes it is the result of an
abnormal, generalized hyperlaxity of the capsule usually caused by
repetitive microtrauma, such as in overhead throwing sports, racquet
sports, and swimming. It can also result from recurrent partial or full
anterior dislocations of the shoulder. Aching, heaviness, or sharp pains
associated with pathologic conditions of the rotator cuff, biceps, or labrum
are common presenting complaints.
The main goal for any shoulder surgery is to stabilize the shoulder and
maintain a full, pain-free range of motion. The multiplicity of procedures
that address this problem have in common either blocking anterior
displacement of the humerus and/or tightening the joint capsule. For
long-term shoulder health, anatomic stabilization of the Bankart lesion is
the first priority because it corrects uni-directional anterior
subluxation/dislocation. The Bankart procedure involves a small incision
(1 cm) into the shoulder, and a suturing of the labrum back to the glenoid.
The Bankart repair reduces pain and can be performed without causing a
significant loss of external rotation.
Anatomic re-attachment of the capsulo-labral complex alone may not
successfully stabilize the gleno-humeral joint. It has been proposed that
the higher recurrence rates seen in arthroscopic repairs that secure the
capsulo-labral complex back to the glenoid rim may be the result of failure
to treat the stretched-out capsule. Electrothermally-assisted
capsulorrhaphy (ETAC), also known as electrothermal arthroscopy and
electrothermally-assisted capsule shift, provides an easy approach to
arthroscopically advance or tighten the capsule in conjunction with
arthroscopic re-attachment procedures.
The ElectroThermal Arthroscopy System uses high-energy
radiofrequency waves to heat the collagen fibers in the joint. This
controlled thermal energy eventually causes contraction and firming up of
the soft tissue in an effort to stabilize the joint. Initial success of this
procedure appears to depend on proper patient selection, appropriate
surgical technique, attention to the rehabilitation program, and patient
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 4 of 22
compliance. Monopolar electrothermal stabilization is technically easy to
perform, and reported peri-operative complication rates have been low.
Short-term, uncontrolled studies of electrothermal arthroscopy for
shoulder instability have shown preservation of range of motion and more
rapid post-operative recovery than with open procedures. Although
results of short-term studies of electrothermal arthroscopy appear to
equal or exceed other surgical procedures, longer-term clinical outcome
studies with direct comparisons with open procedures are necessary to
determine the effectiveness of electrothermal arthroscopy. Long-term
follow-up is necessary to determine whether results for this procedure will
deteriorate over time.
In this regard, a number of investigators have commented on the need for
long-term follow-up studies of electrothermal arthroscopy for shoulder
instability. Levine et al (2001) reported that the advances in thermal
treatment of the capsule have made arthroscopic electrothermal
capsulorrhaphy increasingly attractive as an alternative to the open
approach for the primary treatment of multi-directional instability.
However, the authors concluded that longer follow-ups will be necessary
before definitive statements can be made regarding the arthroscopic
techniques. Khan et al (2002) noted that monopolar electrothermal
stabilization of the shoulder shows considerable promise as a treatment
alternative in athletes and patients with recurrent instability. However,
long-term follow-up is necessary to determine if results for this procedure
deteriorate over time, especially in patients with m ulti-directional
instability. Furthermore, Walton et al (2002) noted that “[g]ood results
have been reported with this technique in recent short-term studies” but
that “[f]urther long-term evaluations are necessary to evaluate the
technique, indications, and results of this novel method of reducing
capsular volume”. Levitz et al (2001) cautioned that it is not known how
much the capsule should be shrunk or what long-term results will show.
Current evidence supporting the use of electrothermal arthroscopy for
shoulder instability is limited to uncontrolled retrospective (Hovis et al,
2002; Lephart et al, 2002; Levitz et al, 2001; Lyons et al, 2001; Reinold et
al, 2003; Joseph et al, 2003) and prospective case series, with variable
results (Fitzgerald et al, 2002; Levy et al, 2000; Mishra et al, 2001; Savoie
et al, 2000; Noonan et al, 2003; and Gieringer, 2003). Most of these
studies are small and of short duration, although some mid-term results
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 5 of 22
have been reported. There is a lack of adequate well-controlled long
term clinical studies of the effectiveness and durability of electrothermal
arthroscopy, comparing outcomes of this procedure with established
surgical methods of treating shoulder instability.
In a review of the literature on electrothermal arthroscopy, Gerber and
Warner (2002) of the Harvard Shoulder Service have warned that
“Currently, however, the indications for thermal capsulorrhaphy are
defined poorly, clinical outcome has not been shown to be superior to
conventional stabilization procedures, and long-term effects on joint
biology and mechanics are not known. Based on a critical review of the
literature and personal clinical experience, the authors conclude that
additional experimental and clinical investigations are necessary to add
this procedure to the accepted modalities applied for the treatment of
shoulder instability”.
A technology assessment of electrothermal arthroscopy prepared for the
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (2003) concluded
that, “[w]hile researchers have published their findings in peer-reviewed
journals, the evidence comes primarily from case series studies with
small study populations. Therefore, findings do not substantially show
thermal shrinkage’s efficacy or effectiveness for the treatment of shoulder
instability...”.
Recent studies by Enad et al (2004) as well as D'Alessandro et al (2004)
indicated that the long-term outcome of electrothermal arthroscopy is
unsatisfactory. Enad et al (2004) examined the effectiveness of
arthroscopic electrothermal capsulorrhaphy for the treatment of instability
in overhand athletes. Electrothermal capsulorrhaphy without labral repair
was used to treat 20 symptomatic overhand athletes (15 baseball, 3
softball, and 2 volleyball). A total of 19 patients were evaluated at a mean
of 23 months. Overall Rowe results were 10 excellent, 4 good, 2 fair, and
3 poor, with a mean score of 82. The overall mean American Shoulder
and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 85.7 (mean pain score, 42.2;
mean score for activities of daily living, 43.5). Two failures (10 %)
required open shoulder stabilization. Ten athletes returned to their prior
level of sport, 3 returned to a lower level, and 6 were unable to return to
their sport. These preliminary results indicate that treatment of the
overhand athlete with isolated electrothermal capsulorrhaphy is favorable
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 6 of 22
but does not reproduce the success of open surgery. Overall recurrence
and failure rates were high. Instability in overhand athletes may require
something other than isolated electrothermal capsulorrhaphy to address
laxity.
D'Alessandro et al (2004) reported a “high rate of unsatisfactory results”
in a published prospective evaluations of the effectiveness of arthroscopic
electrothermal capsulorrhaphy with 2 to 5 years follow-up. This non-
randomized prospective study evaluated the indications and results of
thermal capsulorrhaphy in 84 subjects with shoulder instability. Subjects
underwent arthroscopic thermal capsulorrhaphy after initial assessment,
radiographs, and failure of a minimum of 3 months of non-operative
rehabilitation. Outcome measures included pain, recurrent instability,
return to work/sports, and the ASES Shoulder Assessment score. After a
median duration of follow-up of 38 months, overall results were excellent
in 33 participants (39 %), satisfactory in 20 (24 %), and unsatisfactory in
31 (37 %). The authors concluded that ”[t]he high rate of unsatisfactory
overall results (37 %), documented with longer follow-up, is of great
concern”. The authors cautioned that “[t]he enthusiasm for thermal
capsulorrhaphy should be tempered until further studies document its
efficacy”.
There is also a lack of evidence of the effectiveness of electrothermal
arthroscopy for other joints, including knee, ankle and elbow. The most
thoroughly studied indication for electrothermal arthroscopy, other than
shoulder instability, is anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) laxity. Carter et al
(2002) reported failure at an average of 4 months post-surgery in 11 of 18
patients with laxity of the ACL treated with electrothermal arthroscopy. Of
the 7 patients with a good result, 6 were treated for acute laxity. The
investigators concluded “[e]ven with the short-term follow-up in our study,
it is evident that thermal shrinkage using radiofrequency technologyhas
limited application for patients with anterior cruciate ligament laxity.
Although it may be useful in treating patients with an acutely injured
native anterior cruciate ligament, further study is needed to see if the
ligament stretches out over time or is at increased risk of reinjury.” Indelli
and co-workers (2003) reported their experience using monopolar thermal
repair on 28 consecutive knees with partial ACL tears. Based on
measurements of ACL stability 2 or more years after surgery, the authors
found the results to be comparable to experience with ACL re
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 7 of 22
constructions with allograft. The authors stated, however, that longer
follow-up and the results of other studies will better define the selection,
methods, and results of thermal repair of partial ACL tears. Oakes and
McAllister (2003) stated that although the use of thermal energy to
selectively shrink tissues may ultimately prove to be an invaluable tool,
the lack of well-designed, randomized controlled studies to firmly
establish its efficacy in the treatment of partial cruciate injuries mandates
cautious use of this technique at this time. A technology assessment
prepared for the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
(2003) concluded that there is inadequate evidence of the effectiveness
of electrothermal arthroscopy for ACL laxity.
In a review on thermal modification of the lax ACL by means of
radiofrequency, Lubowitz (2005) stated that results of shrinkage of a lax,
intact native ACL using radiofrequency seems promising, but
complications of catastrophic, spontaneous ACL rupture have been
reported. The author noted that more research is needed to define
treatment techniques, indications, and selection criteria for ACL thermal
shrinkage using radiofrequency and to compare its outcomes with
traditional ACL reconstructive surgery.
In a a multi-center study, Smith and colleagues (2008) prospectively
evaluated the mid-term results (beyond 2 years) of thermal shrinkage on
both lax native ACL and lax re-constructions and determined the
effectiveness of this procedure. A total of 64 patients underwent
electrothermal shrinkage for a lax ACL, both native and previous re
constructions. They were followed-up past 2 years with KT-1000
measurements. Failure criteria were subsequent operations for instability
and KT-1000 measurements greater than 5 mm. Three patients were lost
to follow-up. Among the 61 patients followed-up past 2 years, failure
occurred in 31 (50.8 %). The failure rate for lax grafts alone was 78.9 %,
and there was a failure rate of 38.1 % for lax native ligaments. The
authors concluded that electrothermal shrinkage of lax native or re
constructed ACLs is not an appropriate treatment.
Chloros et al (2008) reviewed the recent literature on arthroscopic
treatment of distal radius fractures (DRFs), triangular fibro-cartilage
complex injuries, inter-carpal ligament injuries, and ganglion cysts,
including the use of electrothermal devices. A major advantage of
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 8 of 22
arthroscopy in the treatment of DRFs is the accurate assessment of the
status of the articular surfaces and the detection of concomitant injuries.
Non-randomized studies of arthroscopically assisted reduction of DRFs
show satisfactory results, but there is only 1 prospective randomized
study showing the benefits of arthroscopy compared with open reduction-
internal fixation. Wrist arthroscopy plays an important role as part of the
treatment for DRFs; however, the treatment for each practitioner and
each patient needs to be individualized. Wrist arthroscopy is the gold
standard in the diagnosis and treatment of triangular fibro-cartilage
complex injuries. Type 1A injuries may be successfully treated with
debridement, whereas the repair of type 1B, 1C, and 1D injuries gives
satisfactory results. For type 2injuries, the arthroscopic wafer procedure
is equally effective as ulnar shortening osteotomy but is associated with
fewer complications in the ulnar positive wrist. With interosseous
ligament injuries, arthroscopic visualization provides critical diagnostic
value. Debridement and pinning in the acute setting of complete ligament
tears are promising and proven. In the chronic patient, arthroscopy can
guide re-constructive options based on cartilage integrity. The preliminary
results of wrist arthroscopy using electrothermal devices are encouraging;
however, complications have been reported, and therefore, their use is
controversial. In dorsal wrist ganglia, arthroscopy has shown excellent
results, a lower rate of recurrence, and no incidence of scapholunate
interosseous ligament instability compared with open ganglionectomy.
Arthroscopy in the treatment of volar wrist ganglia has yielded
encouraging preliminary results; however, further studies are warranted to
evaluate the safety and effectiveness of arthroscopy.
Chu and colleagues (2009) examined if radiofrequency electrothermal
treatment of thumb basal joint instability could produce clinical
improvement and result in successful functional outcomes for patients.
From August 2001 to April 2006, these researchers treated 17 thumbs
with symptomatic thumb basal joint instability using arthroscopic
electrothermal shrinkage of the volar ligaments and joint capsule with a
monopolar radiofrequency probe. The sample included 11 men and 6
women with a mean age of 35.3 years (range of 20 to 60 years). All
patients underwent regular clinical follow-up at a mean of 41 months
(range of 24 to 80 months). Pain improved in all thumbs after surgery.
Thumb pinch strength significantly improved in all thumbs after surgery (p
< 0.01). All patients were satisfied with the results and returned to their
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 9 of 22
pre-injury activities. The authors concluded that by use of the described
method of arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage of the volar ligaments
and joint capsule in patients with symptomatic thumb basal joint
instability, most patients had good subjective results and the pinch
strength improved significantly in most patients. Of 17 thumbs, 16 had
satisfactory subjective and functional stability at a minimum 2 years'
follow-up. This was a small, non-controlled study; its findings need to be
validated by well-designed studies.
Torres and McCain (2012) noted that acute temporomandibular joint
dislocation is a common occurrence that is generally treated by
conservative therapy. In some patients, this can become a chronic
recurrent condition. This recurrent temporomandibular jointdislocation
(RTD) can significantly decrease the patient's quality of life and require
some form of surgical intervention for correction. These researchers
examined the effectiveness of a minimally invasive alternative treatment
for RTD using operative arthroscopy. A total of 11 patients treated for
RTD between 2004 and 2010 were retrospectively analyzed.
Electrothermal capsulorrhaphy was performed using a standard double
puncture operative arthroscopy with a Hol:YAG laser and/or
electrocautery. Post-operatively, the patients were monitored for 6
months to 6 years. Of the 11 subjects, 2 suffered a recurrence of
temporomandibular dislocation and required open arthrotomy for
correction. The other 9 patients had no signs of recurrence or any
significant post-operative loss of function. The authors concluded that
electrothermal capsulorrhaphy is an effective and minimally invasive
method for the treatment of RTD. The findings of this small, non-
controlled study need to be validated by well-designed studies.
The triangular fibro-cartilage complex (TFCC) is formed by the triangular
fibro-cartilage discus, the radio-ulnar ligaments and the ulno-carpal
ligaments. Garcia-Lopez et al (2012) evaluated the clinical and
occupational outcomes of arthroscopic treatment with electrothermal
shrinkage for TFCC tears. These researches retrospectively reviewed
162 patients. All patients had ulnar-sided wrist pain that limited their
occupational and sporting activities. The surgical technique consisted of
electrothermal collagen shrinkage of the TFCC. Pain relief, range of
motion, complications, re-operation rate, time to return to work and
workers' compensation claims were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 10 of 22
distal radioulnar joint instability and association of other wrist lesions.
Complete pain relief was noted in 80.3 % of the patients, incomplete pain
relief in 14.8 %, and only 4.9 % required re-operation because of pain-
persistence. The average range of motion was over 90 % compared to
the opposite hand. Worker's compensation claims were introduced by 20
patients, of which 6 did not return to their previous occupation. The
authors concluded that electrodiathermy may be a useful option for
arthroscopic treatment of TFCC tears in cases without distal radioulnar
joint instability. The findings of this study need to be validated by well-
designed studies.
Mohtadi et al (2014) noted that radiofrequency technology for shoulder
instability was rapidly adopted despite limited clinical evidence and a poor
understanding of its indications. Reports of serious adverse events
followed, leading to its abandonment. These researchers presented
findings from a multi-center randomized clinical trial evaluating the safety
and effectiveness of ETAC compared with open inferior capsular shift
(ICS) and reviewed the role of randomized trials in adopting new
technology. Patients (greater than 14 years) diagnosed with multi-
directional instability or multi-directional laxity with antero-inferior
instability and failed non-operative treatment were enrolled. Patients with
bone lesions or labral, biceps anchor, or full-thickness rotator cuff tears
were excluded intra-operatively. Outcomes included Western Ontario
Shoulder Instability Index, function and recurrent instability at 2 years
post-operatively, and surgical times. A total of 54 subjects (mean age of
23 years; 37 women) were randomized to ETAC (n = 28) or open ICS (n =
26). The groups were comparable at baseline, except for external
rotation at the side. At 2 years post-operatively, there were no statistically
or clinically significant differences between groups for the Western
Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (p = 0.71), American Shoulder and
Elbow Surgeons score (p = 0.43), Constant score (p = 0.43), and active
range of motion. Recurrent instability was not statistically different
(ETAC, 2; open, 4; p = 0.41). Electrothermally-assisted capsulorrhaphy
(23 minutes) was significantly shorter than open ICS (59 minutes) (p <
0.01) surgery. Three subjects (1 ETAC, 2 open) had stiff shoulders. The
authors concluded that at 2 years post-operatively, quality of life and
functional outcomes between groups were not clinically different; ETAC
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 11 of 22
had fewer complications and episodes of recurrence compared with open
surgery. They stated that this evidence reinforced the need to critically
evaluate new technology before widespread clinicaluse.
UpToDate reviews on “Overview of surgical therapy of knee and hip
osteoarthritis” (Mandl and Marin, 2015), “Synovectomy for inflammatory
arthritis of the knee” (Wright, 2015) do not mention electrothermal
arthroscopy/ETAC as a therapeutic option.
McRae and associates (2016) noted that ETAC was introduced as an
adjunct to shoulder stabilization surgery to address capsular laxity in the
treatment of traumatic anterior dislocation. No previous randomized
controlled trial (RCT) has compared arthroscopic Bankart repair with
ETAC of the medial gleno-humeral ligament and anterior band of the
inferior gleno-humeral ligament versus undergoing arthroscopic Bankart
repair alone. These investigators hypothesized that there would be no
difference in quality of life (QOL) between these 2 groups.
Complication/failure rates were also compared. A total of 88 patients
were randomly assigned to receive arthroscopic Bankart repair with (n =
44) or without ETAC (n = 44). Post-operative visits occurred at 3, 6, 12,
and 24 months with WOSI, ASES, and Constant scores completed, and
rates of dislocation/subluxation were determined. Data on 74 patients
were analyzed, with the rest lost to follow-up. There were no differences
between groups at any post-surgery time points for WOSI, ASES, or
Constant scores (non-significant.); 8 patients in the no-ETAC group and 7
in the ETAC group were considered failures (non-significant). The
authors concluded that no benefits in patient-reported outcome or
recurrence rates using ETAC were found. Mean WOSI scores 2 years
post-surgery were virtually identical for the 2 groups; ETAC could not be
shown to provide benefit or detriment when combined with arthroscopic
labral repair for traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder.
UpToDate reviews on “Anterior cruciate ligament injury” (Friedberg, 2017)
and “Meniscal injury of the knee” (Cardone and Jacobs, 2017) do not
mention electrothermal arthroscopy as a therapeuticoption.
Partial Scapholunate Ligament Tears
In a prospective study, Crespo Romero and colleagues (2020) examined
the outcomes of arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage for partial
scapholunate (SL) ligament tears, isolated or with associated triangular
fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries. This trial included 20 patients with
symptomatic instability of SL ligament (14 of them also with TFCC wrist
injuries) treated with arthroscopic electrothermal shrinkage using a
monopolar radiofrequency probe. No patient showed radiologic signs of
static dissociation (mean SL interval =of 2.2 ± 0.6 mm; mean SL angle of
41.4° ± 6.7°) before surgery. All participants underwent follow-up at the
authors’ clinic regularly for an average of 50.6 months (range of 29 to 80
months). The modified Mayo wrist score improved from a mean of 59 ±
17.1 points pre-operatively to 88.3 ± 16.2 points at the final follow-up. At
the final clinical examination, a painful Watson scaphoid shift test was
found in 3 patients (15 %). The mean flexion-extension arc was
unchanged (132° ± 19°), and mean grip strength improved 12 kg. No
patient showed radiologic signs of arthritis or instability after surgery
(mean SL interval of 1.9 ± 0.7 mm; mean SL angle of 42.7° ± 7.3°). Of
the 14 patients with combined TFCC injuries, 3 patients continued
complaining of ulnar-sided point tenderness. At the end of the follow-up,
80 % of the subjects were satisfied or very satisfied. The authors
concluded that SL ligament and TFCC electrothermal shrinkage
effectively provided pain relief and grip strength increase for most of the
patients treated. Level of Evidence = IV. This was a small (n = 20) study
that provided Level IV evidence; these findings need to be validated by
well-designed studies.
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 12 of 22
Code Code Description
29804 Arthroscopy, temporomandibular joint, surgical
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 13 of 22
Code Code Description
29806 -
29828
Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical
29843 -
29847
Arthroscopy, wrist, surgical
29848 Endoscopy, wrist surgical, with release of transverse
carpal ligament
29861 -
29863
Arthroscopy, hip, surgical
29870 -
29887
Arthroscopy, knee [not covered for electrothermal
arthroscopy]
29891 -
29899
Arthroscopy, ankle
29905 Arthroscopy, subtalar joint, surgical; with synovectomy
29906 with debridement
29907 with subtalar arthrodesis
S2300 Arthroscopy, shoulder, surgical; with thermally-induced
capsulorrhaphy
M23.000 -
M23.92
Internal derangement of knee
M24.00 -
M25.9
Other specific joint derangements
M26.601 -
M26.69
Temporomandibular joint disorders
M65.871 -
M65.879
Other synovitis and tenosynovitis of ankle and foot
Electrothermal Arthroscopy - Medical Clinical Policy Bulletins | Aetna Page 14 of 22
Code Code Description
M75.00 -
M75.02
Adhesive capsulitis of shoulder
M76.60 -
M76.62
Achilles tendinitis
Numerous
options
Sprains and strains of wrist [Codes not listed due to
expanded specificity]
Numerous
options
Sprains and strains of ankle and foot [Codes not listed
due to expanded specificity]
Numerous
options
Injury, elbow, forearm, and wrist [Codes not listed due to
expanded specificity]
S03.00x+ -
S03.02x+
Dislocation of jaw
S63.511A -
S63.519S
Sprain of carpal (joint) of wrist [partial scapholunate
ligament tears]
S76.111A -
S76.119S
Strain of quadriceps muscle, fascia and tendon
S83.200A -
S83.32xS
Tear of meniscus, current injury
S83.401A -
S83.429S
Sprain of collateral ligament of knee
S83.501A -
S83.529S
Sprain of cruciate ligament of knee
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Copyright Aetna Inc. All rights reserved. Clinical Policy Bulletins are developed by Aetna to assist in administering plan benefits and
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AETNA BETTER HEALTH® OF PENNSYLVANIA
Amendment to Aetna Clinical Policy Bulletin Number: 0545 Electrothermal
Arthroscopy
There are no amendments for Medicaid.
annual 08/01/2021