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Official Description

Percutaneous skeletal fixation of talus fracture, with manipulation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28436 refers to the percutaneous skeletal fixation of a fracture in the talus, which is a bone located in the ankle. This surgical intervention is specifically indicated for cases where the talus has sustained a fracture, particularly when the fracture is displaced. In such instances, the primary goal of the procedure is to realign the fractured bone fragments, a process known as reduction. The successful reduction of the fracture is confirmed through the use of radiographs, which are imaging studies that provide a visual representation of the bone structure. The procedure involves making one or more small incisions in the skin at the sites where pins or Kirschner wires will be inserted. A specialized drill is utilized to create a corticotomy, which is a surgical opening in the cortex of the bone, allowing for the placement of the percutaneous pins or wires. These pins or wires are then carefully advanced across the fracture site to stabilize the bone. After the placement of all necessary pins or wires, the anatomical alignment of the talus is once again verified through radiographic imaging to ensure proper healing and stabilization of the fracture.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the treatment of a fracture of the talus, particularly in cases where the fracture is displaced. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Fracture of the Talus A break in the talus bone, which may result from trauma or injury.
  • Displaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments are not aligned properly, necessitating reduction to restore normal anatomy.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of the talus fracture:

  • Step 1: Skin Incision The surgeon begins by making one or more small skin incisions over the predetermined sites for the insertion of pins or Kirschner wires. These incisions are strategically placed to minimize tissue damage while allowing access to the fracture site.
  • Step 2: Corticotomy Creation A small drill is then utilized to create a corticotomy, which is an opening in the outer layer of the bone. This step is crucial as it prepares the bone for the insertion of the percutaneous pins or wires that will stabilize the fracture.
  • Step 3: Insertion of Pins or Wires Following the creation of the corticotomy, one or more pins or Kirschner wires are advanced across the fracture site. This insertion is performed with precision to ensure that the pins or wires effectively stabilize the fractured bone fragments.
  • Step 4: Verification of Reduction Once all pins or wires have been placed, the surgeon verifies the anatomical reduction of the fracture. This is accomplished through the use of separately reportable radiographs, which confirm that the bone fragments are properly aligned and stabilized.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may be monitored for any signs of complications, and follow-up radiographs may be necessary to ensure that the fracture remains properly aligned during the healing process. Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore function and strength to the ankle joint, and patients should be advised on activity restrictions to promote healing.

Short Descr TREATMENT OF ANKLE FRACTURE
Medium Descr PRQ SKELETAL FIXATION TALUS FRACTURE W/MANJ
Long Descr Percutaneous skeletal fixation of talus fracture, with manipulation
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 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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
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.)
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)
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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