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Official Description

Ostectomy, complete excision; first metatarsal head

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28111 refers to the complete excision of the first metatarsal head, which is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing bony overgrowth in this area. The metatarsal head is the rounded end of the first metatarsal bone, located at the base of the big toe. This condition often results in pain and discomfort, necessitating surgical intervention to alleviate symptoms and restore function. During the procedure, a longitudinal or lazy-S incision is made on the dorsal aspect of the affected metatarsal head, allowing access to the underlying structures. Careful dissection of the soft tissues is performed to protect the superficial blood vessels, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding anatomy. The long extensor tendons, which are responsible for extending the toes, are identified, detached, and may be transferred as needed to maintain proper function post-surgery. The joint capsule is then incised, and a capsular flap is created to expose the metatarsal head fully. The excision of the metatarsal head is performed while preserving the phalangeal base, which is crucial for maintaining joint stability. To stabilize the joint after excision, a Kirschner wire is advanced through the proximal phalanx and into the metatarsal medullary canal. Any excess tissue in the joint capsule is either excised or plicated to ensure proper closure. Finally, the overlying soft tissues are meticulously closed in layers to promote optimal healing. This procedure is specifically indicated for cases where conservative treatments have failed, and the bony overgrowth significantly impacts the patient's quality of life.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28111 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Bony Overgrowth - This procedure is performed to treat significant bony overgrowth of the first metatarsal head, which can lead to pain and functional impairment.
  • Metatarsalgia - Patients experiencing metatarsalgia, characterized by pain in the ball of the foot, may require this surgical intervention when conservative treatments are ineffective.
  • Hallux Valgus Deformity - The procedure may be indicated in cases of hallux valgus, where the big toe deviates towards the other toes, causing discomfort and necessitating correction.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the complete excision of the first metatarsal head:

  • Step 1: Incision - A longitudinal or lazy-S incision is made over the dorsal aspect of the affected metatarsal head. This incision provides access to the underlying structures while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Dissection - The soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the metatarsal head. During this step, special attention is given to protect the superficial blood vessels to prevent complications.
  • Step 3: Identification of Tendons - The long extensor tendons are identified, detached, and may be transferred as necessary to maintain proper function of the toe post-surgery.
  • Step 4: Joint Capsule Incision - The joint capsule is incised, and a capsular flap is created to allow for complete exposure of the metatarsal head.
  • Step 5: Excision of Metatarsal Head - The metatarsal head is then completely excised while ensuring that the phalangeal base is preserved to maintain joint stability.
  • Step 6: Stabilization - A Kirschner wire is advanced through the proximal phalanx and into the metatarsal medullary canal to stabilize the joint after the excision.
  • Step 7: Joint Capsule Management - Any redundancy in the joint capsule is either excised or plicated to ensure proper closure and function of the joint.
  • Step 8: Closure - The overlying soft tissues are closed in layers to promote optimal healing and recovery.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing. 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 the stability of the joint. Rehabilitation exercises may be introduced gradually to restore mobility and strength in the foot. Pain management strategies will also be discussed to ensure patient comfort during the recovery phase.

Short Descr PART REMOVAL OF METATARSAL
Medium Descr OSTECTOMY COMPLETE 1ST METATARSAL HEAD
Long Descr Ostectomy, complete excision; first metatarsal head
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
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.
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).
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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)
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
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
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