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Official Description

Open treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation, includes internal fixation, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28675 pertains to the open treatment of dislocations occurring in the interphalangeal joints of the toes. The interphalangeal joints are the hinge joints located between the phalangeal bones of the toes, which allow for flexion and extension. In the case of the great toe, there are two phalangeal bones involved: the proximal phalanx and the distal phalanx. For the other four toes, there are three phalangeal bones: the proximal, middle, and distal phalanges. When a dislocation occurs, it results in the misalignment of these bones at the joint, which can cause pain, swelling, and impaired function. The open treatment involves making an incision over the affected joint to access and realign the dislocated bones. Internal fixation methods, such as wires or pins, may be utilized to stabilize the joint after reduction. This procedure is essential for restoring proper alignment and function to the toe, facilitating healing and recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 28675, is indicated for specific conditions and symptoms that necessitate surgical intervention. These include:

  • Dislocated Interphalangeal Joint A dislocation of the interphalangeal joint in the toe, which may result from trauma or injury, leading to misalignment of the phalangeal bones.
  • Severe Pain and Swelling Patients experiencing significant pain and swelling in the affected toe due to the dislocation, which may impair mobility and function.
  • Inability to Move the Toe A condition where the patient is unable to flex or extend the toe due to the dislocation, indicating the need for surgical correction.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the open treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation involves several critical steps to ensure proper alignment and stabilization of the joint. These steps include:

  • Step 1: Incision An incision is made over the dislocated interphalangeal joint to provide direct access to the affected area. This incision allows the surgeon to visualize the joint and the surrounding structures clearly.
  • Step 2: Reduction The dislocated joint is carefully reduced, meaning the surgeon manipulates the bones back into their correct anatomical position. This step is crucial for restoring normal joint function and alleviating pain.
  • Step 3: Internal Fixation If necessary, internal fixation is performed to stabilize the joint after reduction. This may involve the use of wires or pins to hold the bones in place, ensuring they remain aligned during the healing process.
  • Step 4: Wound Irrigation After the joint has been stabilized, the wound is irrigated to remove any debris or contaminants, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Step 5: Closure Finally, the incision is closed with sutures, completing the surgical procedure. Proper closure is essential for promoting healing and minimizing scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the open treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and recovery considerations. It is important to monitor the surgical site for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Patients may be advised to keep the affected toe elevated and immobilized to promote healing. Pain management strategies, including prescribed medications, may be implemented to alleviate discomfort during the recovery period. Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore mobility and strength to the toe as healing progresses. The overall recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the dislocation and the individual patient's healing response.

Short Descr REPAIR OF TOE DISLOCATION
Medium Descr OPEN TREATMENT INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT DISLOCATION
Long Descr Open treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation, includes internal fixation, when performed
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) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 3
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).
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
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.)
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
F2 Left hand, third digit
F6 Right hand, second digit
F7 Right hand, third digit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
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
Date
Action
Notes
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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