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

Metatarsectomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28140 refers to a metatarsectomy, which is a surgical operation involving the complete excision of a metatarsal bone. This procedure is typically indicated for various conditions affecting the metatarsal, such as severe deformities, injuries, or infections that compromise the integrity of the bone. During the surgery, a dorsal incision is made over the affected metatarsal, extending to the metatarsophalangeal joint, allowing the surgeon access to the underlying structures. Careful dissection of the soft tissues is performed to protect the digital neurovascular bundle, which is crucial for maintaining sensation and blood supply to the toes. Once the metatarsal bone is fully exposed, it is severed from all its attachments and excised. In cases where the metatarsectomy is performed due to injury or infection, the surgeon will also debride any damaged or septic tissue to promote healing and prevent further complications. After the excision, the soft tissues and skin are meticulously closed in layers, and a drain may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation, followed by the application of a dressing to protect the surgical site.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The metatarsectomy procedure is indicated for several specific conditions affecting the metatarsal bone. These indications include:

  • Severe Deformities - Conditions such as bunions or other structural abnormalities that cause significant pain or functional impairment.
  • Injuries - Traumatic injuries to the metatarsal bone that may require surgical intervention for proper healing.
  • Infections - Osteomyelitis or other infections that compromise the integrity of the metatarsal bone, necessitating removal of infected tissue.

2. Procedure

The metatarsectomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful excision of the metatarsal bone. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision A dorsal incision is made in the skin over the affected metatarsal. This incision is carefully extended over the metatarsophalangeal joint to provide adequate access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Dissection The surgeon meticulously dissects the soft tissues surrounding the metatarsal bone. During this step, special care is taken to protect the digital neurovascular bundle, which is essential for maintaining sensation and blood flow to the toes.
  • Step 3: Excision of the Metatarsal Bone Once the metatarsal is fully exposed, the surgeon severs it from all its attachments. This step involves cutting through the ligaments and tendons that connect the metatarsal to surrounding structures, allowing for complete excision of the bone.
  • Step 4: Debridement (if necessary) If the procedure is performed due to an injury or infection, the surgeon will debride any damaged or septic tissue. This is a crucial step to ensure that all compromised tissue is removed, promoting optimal healing.
  • Step 5: Closure After the metatarsal bone has been excised and any necessary debridement has been completed, the soft tissues and skin are closed in layers. This layered closure helps to ensure proper healing and minimizes the risk of complications.
  • Step 6: Dressing and Drain Placement A drain may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation at the surgical site, and a dressing is applied to protect the incision and promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a metatarsectomy is essential for recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of infection or complications. Pain management is an important aspect of post-operative care, and patients may be prescribed analgesics as needed. The surgical site should be kept clean and dry, and patients are advised to follow specific instructions regarding dressing changes. Weight-bearing activities may be restricted for a period to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the healing process and to remove any drains if placed. Rehabilitation may also be recommended to restore function and strength to the foot.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF METATARSAL
Medium Descr METATARSECTOMY
Long Descr Metatarsectomy
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 3
CCS Clinical Classification 142 - Partial excision bone
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.
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.)
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
F2 Left hand, third digit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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"