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Official Description

Hallux rigidus correction with cheilectomy, debridement and capsular release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint; with implant

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Hallux rigidus is a medical condition that affects the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, which is the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition is characterized by several symptoms, including pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion, particularly in the dorsiflexion of the great toe. The underlying causes of hallux rigidus often include degenerative changes, inflammation, and arthritis, which can lead to cartilage erosion, narrowing of the joint space, and the formation of bone spurs around the MTP joint. The surgical procedure described by CPT® Code 28291 involves a comprehensive approach to correcting hallux rigidus through a cheilectomy, which is the surgical removal of bone spurs, along with debridement and capsular release of the joint. This procedure is performed with the insertion of an implant, which may be made of prosthetic materials such as ceramic or titanium, or biologic materials like tendon or capsule tissue. The goal of the surgery is to alleviate pain, restore joint alignment, maintain range of motion, and enhance the strength and length of the digit, ultimately improving the patient's functional ability and quality of life.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28291 is indicated for patients suffering from hallux rigidus, which is characterized by the following conditions:

  • Pain experienced in the first metatarsophalangeal joint, particularly during movement.
  • Swelling around the joint, which may be accompanied by inflammation.
  • Stiffness in the great toe, leading to difficulty in walking or performing daily activities.
  • Decreased range of motion, especially in dorsiflexion, which is the upward movement of the toe.
  • Degenerative changes in the joint due to arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
  • Presence of bone spurs that contribute to joint pain and limit mobility.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for hallux rigidus correction with CPT® Code 28291 involves several detailed steps:

  • Incision An incision is made in the dorsal midline over the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe to provide access to the joint.
  • Nerve Identification The dorsomedial cutaneous nerve is identified and carefully protected during the dissection to prevent nerve damage.
  • Soft Tissue Dissection The soft tissue is dissected longitudinally to expose the joint capsule, allowing for a thorough examination of the joint.
  • Debridement Excessive synovial tissue is debrided, and the joint capsule is explored for any loose bodies or abnormalities that may be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
  • Cheilectomy Bone spur(s) are shaved using an osteotome until they are flush with the joint surface, which helps to alleviate impingement and restore normal joint function.
  • Range of Motion Assessment The range of motion of the joint is checked to ensure that the surgical intervention has been effective in improving mobility.
  • Plantar Adhesion Release If necessary, plantar adhesions between the metatarsal head and the sesamoid bones are released to further enhance joint movement.
  • Implant Insertion If a significant amount of bone and/or tissue has been removed, an implant made of prosthetic material (ceramic or titanium), biologic material (tendon or capsule tissue), or a combination of both may be inserted into the joint space to restore alignment and maintain range of motion.
  • Site Check and Closure The surgical site is checked for any bleeding, irrigated to ensure cleanliness, and the incision is then closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Post-operative care typically includes pain management, instructions for wound care, and guidelines for gradually resuming weight-bearing activities. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and range of motion in the affected toe. The overall goal of post-procedure care is to ensure proper healing and to maximize the functional outcomes of the surgery.

Short Descr CORRJ HALUX RIGDUS W/IMPLT
Medium Descr HALLUX RIGIDUS W/CHEILECTOMY 1ST MP JT W/IMPLT
Long Descr Hallux rigidus correction with cheilectomy, debridement and capsular release of the first metatarsophalangeal joint; with implant
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 Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
T5 Right foot, great toe
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
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).
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
T1 Left foot, second 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
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
Code
Description
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