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Official Description

Percutaneous skeletal fixation of tarsal bone fracture (except talus and calcaneus), with manipulation, each

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28456 refers to the procedure known as percutaneous skeletal fixation of a tarsal bone fracture, specifically excluding fractures of the talus and calcaneus. This procedure is primarily indicated for fractures involving the navicular, cuboid, or one of the three cuneiform bones. In cases where the fracture is displaced, the procedure involves a reduction of the fracture, which is a critical step to ensure proper alignment of the bone fragments. The successful reduction of the fracture is confirmed through the use of radiographs, which are separate and reportable. The technique involves making one or more small skin incisions at the predetermined sites for the insertion of pins or Kirschner wires. A small drill is utilized to create a corticotomy, which is an opening in the cortex of the bone, allowing for the placement of the percutaneous pin or wire. Following this, one or more pins or wires are carefully advanced across the fracture site to stabilize the fracture. After the placement of all pins or wires, the anatomical reduction is again verified through radiographic imaging, ensuring that the bones are properly aligned for optimal healing.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28456 is indicated for the treatment of specific fractures of the tarsal bones, particularly when the following conditions are present:

  • Fracture of the Navicular Bone This procedure is performed when there is a fracture of the navicular bone, which is one of the tarsal bones located in the midfoot.
  • Fracture of the Cuboid Bone The procedure is indicated for fractures of the cuboid bone, another tarsal bone that plays a crucial role in foot stability.
  • Fracture of the Cuneiform Bones This includes fractures of any of the three cuneiform bones, which are essential for the proper function of the foot.
  • Displaced Fractures The procedure is particularly indicated for displaced fractures, where the bone fragments are not aligned, necessitating reduction to restore proper anatomy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 28456 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the tarsal bone fracture:

  • Step 1: Incision The first step involves making one or more small skin incisions over the planned insertion sites for the pins or Kirschner wires. These incisions are strategically placed to minimize tissue damage while allowing access to the fracture site.
  • Step 2: Corticotomy A small drill is then used to create a corticotomy, which is an opening in the outer layer of the bone (the cortex). This step is essential as it prepares the bone for the insertion of the fixation devices.
  • Step 3: Insertion of Pins or Wires Following the corticotomy, one or more pins or Kirschner wires are advanced across the fracture site. This step is crucial for stabilizing the fracture and ensuring proper alignment of the bone fragments.
  • Step 4: Verification of Reduction Once all pins or wires have been placed, the anatomical reduction of the fracture is verified again using radiographs. This imaging confirms that the bone fragments are properly aligned and that the procedure has been successful.

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, such as infection or improper healing. Follow-up radiographs may be necessary to ensure that the fracture remains properly aligned during the healing process. Patients are typically advised on weight-bearing restrictions and may require physical therapy to restore function and strength to the affected foot. The overall recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual patient's healing response.

Short Descr TREAT MIDFOOT FRACTURE
Medium Descr PRQ SKEL FIXJ TARSL FX XCP TALUS&CALCNS W/MANJ
Long Descr Percutaneous skeletal fixation of tarsal bone fracture (except talus and calcaneus), with manipulation, each
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) 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) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 2
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.
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.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
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)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
T1 Left foot, second digit
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
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