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Official Description

Percutaneous skeletal fixation of metatarsal fracture, with manipulation, each

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28476 refers to the procedure known as percutaneous skeletal fixation of a metatarsal fracture, which includes manipulation of the fracture. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who have sustained a fracture in one of the metatarsal bones of the foot. The term "percutaneous" indicates that the procedure is performed through a small incision in the skin, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. During the procedure, a small drill is utilized to create a corticotomy, which is an opening in the outer layer of the bone, proximal to the fracture site. This allows for access to the fracture without the need for extensive surgical exposure. Once the corticotomy is made, the fracture is carefully reduced, meaning that the bone fragments are aligned back into their proper position. To stabilize the fracture, one or more pre-bent Kirschner wires, which are thin metal wires used in orthopedic surgery, are advanced through the medullary canal of the metatarsal bone and across the fracture site. This fixation method helps to maintain the alignment of the bone during the healing process. After the wires are placed, anatomical reduction, or the correct positioning of the bone fragments, is verified using radiographic imaging, ensuring that the fracture is properly aligned before concluding the procedure. This minimally invasive approach is designed to promote healing while reducing recovery time and complications associated with more invasive surgical techniques.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28476 is indicated for the treatment of metatarsal fractures. These fractures may occur due to various reasons, including:

  • Trauma: Fractures resulting from direct impact or injury to the foot, such as falls or accidents.
  • Overuse: Stress fractures that develop over time due to repetitive activities or excessive weight-bearing on the metatarsal bones.
  • Pathological conditions: Fractures that may arise from underlying conditions affecting bone density or integrity, such as osteoporosis.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 28476 involves several key steps to ensure effective fixation of the metatarsal fracture. These steps include:

  • Step 1: A small skin incision is made proximal to the fracture site. This incision is strategically placed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues while providing access to the fracture.
  • Step 2: A small drill is then used to create a corticotomy proximal to the fracture site. This corticotomy allows the surgeon to access the medullary canal of the metatarsal bone without extensive exposure.
  • Step 3: Once the corticotomy is established, the fracture is reduced. This involves carefully aligning the fractured bone fragments back into their anatomical position.
  • Step 4: After achieving proper alignment, one or more pre-bent Kirschner wires are advanced by hand across the fracture site through the medullary canal. These wires provide internal fixation to stabilize the fracture during the healing process.
  • Step 5: Finally, anatomical reduction is verified radiographically. This step is crucial to ensure that the bone fragments are correctly aligned and that the fixation is secure before concluding the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the percutaneous skeletal fixation procedure, patients typically require monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing. Post-procedure care may include instructions for weight-bearing activities, which will depend on the specific nature of the fracture and the surgeon's recommendations. Patients may also be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for radiographic evaluations to ensure that the fracture is healing properly. Pain management strategies may be implemented to address any discomfort following the procedure. Overall, the recovery process will vary based on individual circumstances, but the goal is to restore function and mobility to the affected foot.

Short Descr TREAT METATARSAL FRACTURE
Medium Descr PRQ SKEL FIXJ METAR FX W/MANJ
Long Descr Percutaneous skeletal fixation of metatarsal fracture, 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) 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) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 4
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.
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
ET Emergency services
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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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