CPT® Code 26035

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients who have sustained an injection injury from high-pressure industrial devices. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

• Injection Injury The patient has experienced an injection injury due to the unintentional injection of a substance from devices such as grease guns, spray guns, diesel injectors, paint guns, concrete guns, or plastic injectors.
• Signs of Tissue Damage There is evidence of tissue damage or necrosis at the injection site, necessitating surgical intervention to prevent further complications.
• Infection Risk The presence of injected material that poses a risk of infection or other complications, requiring removal and debridement.

2. Procedure

The procedure for decompression of the fingers and/or hand following an injection injury involves several critical steps:

• Step 1: Anesthesia The procedure typically begins with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the intervention.
• Step 2: Incision A careful incision is made over the site of the injection injury. This incision allows access to the underlying tissues that may have been affected by the injected substance.
• Step 3: Inspection Once the incision is made, the surgeon inspects the deeper tissues to assess the extent of the injury and identify any necrotic tissue that requires removal.
• Step 4: Removal of Injected Material The injected material is meticulously removed from the affected area. This step is crucial to prevent further tissue damage and promote healing.
• Step 5: Debridement Any necrotic tissue is debrided, which involves the surgical removal of dead or damaged tissue to facilitate the healing process.
• Step 6: Irrigation The wound is then irrigated with normal saline to cleanse the area, removing any remaining debris and reducing the risk of infection.
• Step 7: Wound Packing Finally, the wound is packed open to allow for proper drainage and healing, ensuring that the area remains free from infection and promotes optimal recovery.

3. Post-Procedure

After the decompression procedure, patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Post-procedure care may include instructions for wound care, pain management, and follow-up appointments to assess healing. Patients are advised to keep the area clean and dry, and to report any unusual symptoms, such as increased pain, redness, or discharge from the wound. The recovery process may vary depending on the extent of the injury and the individual patient's healing response.