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The procedure described by CPT® Code 28240 refers to a tenotomy, lengthening, or release of the abductor hallucis muscle. This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for the treatment of clubfoot deformity, a condition where the foot is twisted out of shape or position. The abductor hallucis muscle plays a crucial role in the movement and stabilization of the big toe, and its dysfunction can contribute to the deformity. During the procedure, a medial incision is made starting from the midportion of the first metatarsal bone and extending to the interphalangeal joint of the great toe. This incision allows for the careful dissection of soft tissues to expose the abductor hallucis tendon. Depending on the specific needs of the patient, the surgeon may either release the tendon from its insertion point on the proximal phalanx of the great toe or perform a lengthening procedure. In the case of lengthening, a Z-shaped incision is created in the tendon, which facilitates the elongation of the tendon fibers as the foot is abducted. This technique is designed to restore proper alignment and function of the foot, ultimately improving mobility and reducing discomfort associated with the clubfoot deformity.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 28240 is performed for specific conditions related to the abductor hallucis muscle. The primary indication for this procedure is:
The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the effective treatment of the abductor hallucis muscle. The steps are as follows:
Post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery following the tenotomy, lengthening, or release of the abductor hallucis muscle. Patients may be monitored for any immediate complications, and instructions regarding activity restrictions and rehabilitation will be provided. It is important for patients to follow the prescribed post-operative care plan, which may include physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the foot. The expected recovery time can vary based on individual circumstances, but adherence to follow-up appointments and rehabilitation protocols is critical for achieving the best possible outcomes.
| Short Descr | RELEASE OF BIG TOE | Medium Descr | TENOTOMY LENGTHENING/RLS ABDUCTOR HALLUCIS MUSC | Long Descr | Tenotomy, lengthening, or release, abductor hallucis muscle | 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 | 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 | 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons |
| 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. | 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. | 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 | 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 |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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