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Official Description

Synovectomy, tendon sheath, foot; flexor

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure identified by CPT® Code 28086 refers to a synovectomy of the flexor tendon sheath in the foot. A synovectomy is a surgical intervention aimed at removing the synovial membrane, which is the tissue that lines the joints and tendon sheaths. This procedure is typically indicated for patients suffering from inflammation of the synovial tissue, often due to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, necessitating surgical intervention to alleviate these symptoms. During the procedure, a surgical incision is made over the affected tendon sheath, allowing access to the inflamed tissue. The surgeon carefully dissects the surrounding soft tissues to reach the tendon sheath, which is then incised to facilitate the removal of the inflamed synovial tissue. A motorized suction shaving device is employed to ensure complete excision of the affected tissue, promoting recovery and restoring function to the affected area. It is important to note that for procedures involving the extensor tendon sheath, CPT® Code 28088 should be utilized instead.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The synovectomy of the flexor tendon sheath, as described by CPT® Code 28086, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis - A chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints, leading to synovial tissue inflammation.
  • Synovitis - Inflammation of the synovial membrane, which can cause pain and swelling in the affected area.
  • Tenosynovitis - Inflammation of the tendon sheath surrounding a tendon, often resulting in discomfort and restricted movement.

2. Procedure

The procedure for synovectomy of the flexor tendon sheath involves several critical steps to ensure effective removal of the inflamed tissue:

  • Step 1: Incision - The surgeon begins by making a precise incision over the affected flexor tendon sheath. This incision is strategically placed to provide optimal access to the inflamed area while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Dissection - Following the incision, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues surrounding the tendon sheath. This step is crucial for exposing the tendon sheath without compromising the integrity of adjacent structures.
  • Step 3: Incision of the Tendon Sheath - Once the tendon sheath is adequately exposed, the surgeon incises the sheath to gain access to the synovial tissue within. This incision allows for the removal of the inflamed synovial membrane.
  • Step 4: Removal of Inflamed Tissue - Utilizing a motorized suction shaving device, the surgeon meticulously removes all inflamed synovial tissue. This device aids in ensuring complete excision while minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissues.

3. Post-Procedure

After the synovectomy procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve pain management and rehabilitation. Post-operative care typically includes monitoring for any signs of infection, managing swelling, and following a prescribed physical therapy regimen to restore mobility and strength in the affected foot. The surgeon may provide specific instructions regarding activity restrictions and wound care to promote optimal healing. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess recovery progress and address any complications that may arise.

Short Descr EXCISE FOOT TENDON SHEATH
Medium Descr SYNOVECTOMY TENDON SHEATH FOOT FLEXOR
Long Descr Synovectomy, tendon sheath, foot; flexor
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
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) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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).
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T1 Left foot, second digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T6 Right foot, second digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
TA Left foot, great toe
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
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