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Official Description

Repair, nonunion or malunion; metatarsal, with or without bone graft (includes obtaining graft)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28322 involves the surgical repair of a nonunion or malunion of the metatarsal bones. A nonunion occurs when the fracture fragments fail to heal together after an adequate period, while a malunion refers to a situation where the fragments heal but in an incorrect alignment, leading to potential complications. These complications can include osseous abnormalities, incongruity of articular surfaces, soft tissue contracture, and nerve impingement. During the procedure, the original fracture sites of the metatarsal bones are surgically exposed to assess the condition of the nonunion or malunion. The evaluation determines the necessary repair approach, which may involve internal fixation techniques, with or without the use of a bone graft. If a bone graft is indicated, it is harvested and shaped to fit the defect, promoting healing at the fracture site. The procedure aims to restore proper alignment and stability to the metatarsal bones, ensuring optimal recovery and function for the patient.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Nonunion of Metatarsal Fracture - This occurs when the fracture fragments do not unite after an adequate healing period, necessitating surgical intervention to promote healing.
  • Malunion of Metatarsal Fracture - This condition arises when the fracture heals in an improper alignment, leading to functional impairment and potential complications that require correction.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for repairing a nonunion or malunion of the metatarsal bones involves several critical steps:

  • Exposure of the Fracture Site - The surgeon begins by making an incision to expose the original fracture sites of the metatarsal bones. This allows for direct visualization and assessment of the nonunion or malunion.
  • Evaluation of the Condition - Once exposed, the surgeon evaluates the fracture site to determine the appropriate repair method. This assessment is crucial for deciding whether internal fixation alone is sufficient or if a bone graft is necessary.
  • Internal Fixation - If the repair does not require a bone graft, the surgeon may use internal fixation methods, such as pins or screws, to stabilize the fracture. For malunion cases, the bone may be refractured and realigned before fixation is applied.
  • Bone Grafting (if indicated) - In cases where a bone graft is needed, the surgeon prepares the site by potentially refracturing the bone. Bone is harvested, either cortical or cancellous, and shaped to fit the defect. Cancellous bone may be morcellized and packed into the defect to encourage healing.
  • Stabilization of the Repair - After the bone graft is placed, internal fixation devices, such as pins, wires, or compression plates with screws, are utilized to secure the graft and stabilize the fracture. The alignment is then verified radiographically to ensure proper positioning.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing of the fracture. Patients may require follow-up imaging to assess the alignment and stability of the repair. Rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function and strength to the affected foot, and the healthcare provider will provide specific instructions regarding weight-bearing activities and physical therapy as needed.

Short Descr REPAIR OF METATARSALS
Medium Descr RPR NON/MALUNION METARSAL W/WO BONE GRAFT
Long Descr Repair, nonunion or malunion; metatarsal, with or without bone graft (includes obtaining graft)
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) 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) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
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.
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.
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
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)
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
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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