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Official Description

Reconstruction, toe(s); syndactyly, with or without skin graft(s), each web

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Syndactyly is a congenital condition characterized by the fusion of two or more toes in the foot. This condition can manifest in two primary forms: simple and complex syndactyly. Simple syndactyly involves only the soft tissues connecting the toes, while complex syndactyly includes additional involvement of bone, cartilage, or nails. The surgical procedure described by CPT® Code 28345 addresses the reconstruction of the toes affected by syndactyly, which may involve the use of skin grafts. The goal of the procedure is to separate the conjoined toes, restore normal anatomy, and ensure proper function and appearance. The surgical approach includes careful dissection of the soft tissues, preservation of blood supply, and, when necessary, the application of skin grafts to achieve optimal closure of the incisions. This procedure is essential for improving the quality of life for individuals with syndactyly, allowing for better mobility and foot function.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28345 is indicated for the treatment of syndactyly in the toes. The specific indications include:

  • Syndactyly A condition where two or more toes are joined together, which may affect mobility and foot function.
  • Simple Syndactyly Involves only the soft tissues of the toes, requiring surgical intervention to separate the toes and close the incisions.
  • Complex Syndactyly Involves the fusion of soft tissue, bone, or cartilaginous tissue, necessitating a more intricate surgical approach to ensure proper separation and reconstruction.

2. Procedure

The procedure for reconstructing syndactyly in the toes involves several detailed steps, which are as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and the surgical area is prepared and draped in a sterile manner. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision Zigzag incisions are made over the dorsal and volar aspects of the conjoined toes. This design helps to minimize scarring and allows for better closure of the incisions.
  • Step 3: Dissection The soft tissues connecting the toes are carefully dissected. The surgeon identifies the interdigital connective tissue layer and begins to separate the soft tissues, taking care to preserve the blood supply to both toes.
  • Step 4: Separation Once the toes are completely separated, the skin flaps are defatted. This step is crucial for ensuring that the skin can be properly closed over the incisions.
  • Step 5: Closure The zigzag incisions on both toes are closed using the defatted skin flaps. If necessary, full thickness skin grafts may be harvested, typically from the plantar instep, to assist in closing the incisions. These grafts are prepared and configured to the required dimensions before being applied.
  • Step 6: Complex Syndactyly Management In cases of complex syndactyly, additional steps are taken to separate conjoined nails, bone, and/or cartilaginous tissue. The nails are split if they are joined, and careful dissection of the bony or cartilaginous tissue is performed while preserving ligaments and tendons. Lateral nail folds are created using horizontal nail flaps or by advancing palmar pulp dorsally.
  • Step 7: Final Closure The zigzag incisions are then closed using a combination of skin flaps and/or grafts, ensuring that the surgical site is properly secured and that the anatomy of the toes is restored.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-operative care may include pain management, wound care instructions, and follow-up appointments to assess healing. Patients are advised on activity restrictions to promote proper recovery and prevent complications. The expected recovery time may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the individual patient's healing process. It is essential to follow the surgeon's recommendations for optimal outcomes.

Short Descr REPAIR WEBBED TOE(S)
Medium Descr RCNSTJ TOE SYNDACTYLY W/WO SKIN GRAFT EACH WEB
Long Descr Reconstruction, toe(s); syndactyly, with or without skin graft(s), each web
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) 0 - 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) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 143 - Bunionectomy or repair of toe deformities
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).
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.
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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