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

Ostectomy, partial excision, fifth metatarsal head (bunionette) (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28110 refers to an ostectomy, specifically a partial excision of the fifth metatarsal head, commonly known as a bunionette or tailor's bunion. This condition involves the formation of a bony protuberance on the lateral side of the fifth metatarsal head, which can cause discomfort and pain, particularly when wearing shoes. The surgical intervention aims to alleviate these symptoms by removing the excess bone that contributes to the deformity. During the procedure, a longitudinal incision is made on the outer side of the fifth metatarsal head to access the affected area. The joint capsule is then incised, allowing for the creation of a capsular flap, which facilitates better exposure of the metatarsal head. The lateral condyle of the metatarsal head is excised to correct the deformity, and any redundant tissue in the joint capsule is either removed or plicated to ensure proper joint function. Finally, the overlying soft tissues are meticulously closed in layers to promote optimal healing and recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Bunionette (Tailor's Bunion) A bony protuberance on the fifth metatarsal head that causes pain and discomfort, particularly when wearing shoes.
  • Localized Pain Persistent pain in the area of the fifth metatarsal head that may be exacerbated by footwear or physical activity.
  • Deformity Correction The need to correct a deformity of the fifth metatarsal head to restore normal foot function and alleviate symptoms.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective removal of the bunionette and restoration of the foot's anatomy:

  • Step 1: Incision A longitudinal incision is made over the lateral aspect of the fifth metatarsal head. This incision allows the surgeon to access the underlying structures while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Joint Capsule Incision The joint capsule is incised to create a capsular flap. This step is crucial as it provides the necessary exposure to the metatarsal head and allows for the removal of the bony prominence.
  • Step 3: Exposure of the Metatarsal Head The metatarsal head is carefully exposed, allowing the surgeon to visualize the lateral condyle that needs to be excised. This exposure is essential for the accurate removal of the bony protuberance.
  • Step 4: Excision of the Lateral Condyle The lateral condyle of the metatarsal head is excised. This step directly addresses the deformity and alleviates the pressure that causes pain.
  • Step 5: Joint Capsule Management Any redundancy in the joint capsule is either excised or plicated. This ensures that the joint capsule is appropriately sized and positioned, which is important for joint stability and function.
  • Step 6: Closure of Soft Tissues The overlying soft tissues are closed in layers. This layered closure technique promotes optimal healing and reduces the risk of complications such as infection or improper healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care typically involves monitoring for any signs of complications, managing pain, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may be advised to limit weight-bearing activities on the affected foot for a specified period to facilitate recovery. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and determine when normal activities can be resumed. Additionally, patients may receive instructions on wound care and signs of infection to watch for during the recovery process.

Short Descr PART REMOVAL OF METATARSAL
Medium Descr OSTECTOMY PRTL 5TH METAR HEAD SPX
Long Descr Ostectomy, partial excision, fifth metatarsal head (bunionette) (separate procedure)
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) 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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 142 - Partial excision bone
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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).
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
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.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
F5 Right hand, thumb
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T6 Right foot, second digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
T9 Right foot, fifth 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
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"