CPT Code 26555 | Description & Clinical Information
CPT 26555 describes the surgical removal of an extra finger and repositioning of the duplicate finger or thumb to a more appropriate anatomical location, which is performed to treat patients with polydactyly, a condition characterized by the presence of one or more extra fingers.
Official Description
The CPT book defines CPT code 26555 as: “Transfer, finger to another position without microvascular anastomosis”.
Clinical Information
The procedure described by CPT code 26555 is a surgical process that aims to correct deformities of the hand. This procedure is called a duplicate digit removal with repositioning of an adjacent digit. The condition that this procedure addresses usually occurs due to abnormal development of the hand during fetal development, leading to two digits that are fused together. This fusion of digits can cause a range of functional problems for the patient, including difficulty with gripping, controlling or moving the hand.
The procedure involves several steps, and the surgeon must be meticulous and precise during each step. The first step of the procedure is to prepare the patient appropriately for the surgery. This preparation involves anesthetizing the patient and ensuring that the patient’s hand is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized.
Once the patient is prepared, the provider makes an incision over the duplicate digit, and dissects it along with the metacarpal bone, nerve, tendon, and muscles. This dissection is critical in ensuring that the digit is removed without causing any damage to surrounding structures. After the digit is removed, the surgeon proceeds to the next step of the procedure.
In the next step, he makes an incision over the digit, which he wants to preserve, and adjusts its position. This adjustment is crucial because it ensures that the digit is in the correct anatomical and functional location. The surgeon transfers the tendon and muscles as necessary to align and obtain as much correction as possible.
After that, the surgeon fixes the bone at the new location using implants like k wires. This fixation ensures that the digit remains in place and is stable. The surgeon must be careful to use the correct implants and to place them in the correct location to avoid any damage to surrounding tissues.
The surgeon ensures that the digit has an unobstructed blood and nerve supply. This ensures that the digit has adequate circulation and sensation, which is essential for proper function and healing. Finally, the surgeon closes the wound by suturing the tissue and covers it with a bulky dressing.
In conclusion, the procedure described by CPT code 26555 is a surgical process that aims to correct deformities of the hand caused by fused digits. The procedure involves several critical steps that require the surgeon to be meticulous and precise. Patients who undergo this procedure can experience significant improvement in hand function and quality of life. However, the procedure is not without risks, and patients should discuss the benefits and risks thoroughly with their surgeon before considering the surgery.
