Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Closed treatment of medial malleolus fracture; without manipulation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Closed treatment of a medial malleolus fracture refers to a non-surgical approach for managing a fracture located at the medial malleolus, which is the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle formed by the distal end of the tibia. This area is crucial as it plays a significant role in the ankle joint's function by articulating with the talus bone. The procedure is specifically indicated for fractures that are either nondisplaced or minimally displaced, meaning that the bone fragments have not shifted significantly from their normal alignment. During this treatment, the fracture does not require any manipulation, which distinguishes it from other types of fracture treatments where realignment of the bone fragments is necessary. To ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, separate radiographs are obtained to confirm the presence and nature of the fracture. Additionally, a neurovascular examination is conducted to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury site, ensuring that there are no complications that could affect healing. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a cast is applied to immobilize the fracture, promoting healing and stability during the recovery process.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of a medial malleolus fracture is indicated for specific conditions related to the injury. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Nondisplaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments remain in their normal position and alignment.
  • Minimally Displaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments are slightly out of alignment but do not require manipulation to restore proper positioning.
  • Assessment of Neurovascular Integrity The procedure is indicated when there is a need to ensure that the nerves and blood vessels around the fracture site are intact and functioning properly.

2. Procedure

The procedure for closed treatment of a medial malleolus fracture involves several key steps that ensure proper management of the injury. Each step is critical for achieving optimal healing and recovery.

  • Step 1: Radiographic Confirmation Initially, separate radiographs are obtained to confirm the presence of a fracture at the medial malleolus. This imaging is essential to determine the type and extent of the fracture, guiding the subsequent treatment approach.
  • Step 2: Neurovascular Examination A thorough neurovascular examination is performed to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels in the area surrounding the fracture. This step is crucial to rule out any potential complications that could arise from the injury.
  • Step 3: Application of a Cast Once the fracture is confirmed and the neurovascular status is deemed stable, a cast is applied to immobilize the fracture. The cast serves to stabilize the injured area, preventing movement that could hinder the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of a medial malleolus fracture, the patient is typically monitored for any signs of complications. The immobilization provided by the cast is essential for the healing process, and patients are advised on the importance of keeping the cast dry and intact. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the healing progress through additional radiographs and to make any adjustments to the treatment plan if needed. Patients may also receive guidance on pain management and rehabilitation exercises to promote recovery once the fracture has healed sufficiently.

Short Descr CLTX MEDIAL ANKLE FX
Medium Descr CLTX MEDIAL MALLEOLUS FX W/O MANIPULATION
Long Descr Closed treatment of medial malleolus fracture; without manipulation
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"