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Official Description

Bone graft with microvascular anastomosis; metatarsal

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 20957 involves the harvesting of a bone graft specifically from the metatarsal region of the foot. This process is essential for reconstructive surgery, where the harvested bone is utilized to fill a defect at another anatomical site. During the procedure, the physician carefully isolates and dissects the donor bone while ensuring that the associated blood vessels remain intact. This is crucial as the viability of the graft depends on the preservation of its blood supply. After the bone graft is harvested, the donor site is meticulously closed in layers to promote proper healing and minimize complications. Subsequently, the graft is positioned at the defect site, where the blood vessels from the graft are anastomosed, or surgically connected, to the vessels in the defect area. This connection is vital for ensuring that the graft receives adequate blood flow, which is necessary for its integration and healing. Finally, the defect area is also closed with layered sutures, completing the procedure. This code is specifically designated for cases where the donor site is the metatarsal, distinguishing it from other codes that pertain to grafts taken from different anatomical locations, such as the fibula or iliac crest.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 20957 is indicated for various conditions that necessitate the use of a bone graft for reconstruction. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Bone Defects The procedure is performed to address bone defects that may arise from trauma, disease, or surgical resection.
  • Non-Union Fractures It is indicated in cases where fractures have not healed properly and require additional support for healing.
  • Osteonecrosis The procedure may be indicated for patients with osteonecrosis, where bone tissue has died due to a lack of blood supply.
  • Bone Loss It is utilized in situations where there is significant bone loss that needs to be reconstructed to restore function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 20957 involves several critical steps that ensure the successful harvesting and application of the bone graft. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Harvesting the Bone Graft The physician begins by selecting the metatarsal as the donor site. The area is prepared and anesthetized to ensure patient comfort. The surgeon then carefully dissects the skin and underlying tissues to access the metatarsal bone. The bone is isolated while preserving the surrounding blood vessels, which are crucial for the graft's viability.
  • Step 2: Closing the Donor Site Once the bone graft is harvested, the donor site is meticulously closed in layers. This layered closure technique is important for promoting optimal healing and minimizing the risk of complications such as infection or excessive scarring.
  • Step 3: Preparing the Defect Site After the graft is obtained, the surgeon prepares the defect site where the graft will be placed. This may involve debriding the area to ensure that healthy tissue is present for the graft to integrate effectively.
  • Step 4: Anastomosis of Blood Vessels The next step involves the anastomosis of the blood vessels from the harvested graft to the vessels at the defect site. This surgical connection is critical for ensuring that the graft receives adequate blood supply, which is essential for its survival and integration into the surrounding bone.
  • Step 5: Closing the Defect Area Finally, the defect area is closed with layered sutures, similar to the donor site closure. This step completes the procedure and helps to secure the graft in place while promoting healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the harvesting of a bone graft using CPT® Code 20957 is essential for ensuring proper recovery and minimizing complications. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of infection or complications at both the donor and defect sites. Pain management strategies are implemented to address discomfort following the procedure. Patients may be advised to limit weight-bearing activities on the affected foot to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess the healing process and the integration of the graft. Additionally, physical therapy may be recommended to restore function and strength in the affected area as healing progresses.

Short Descr MT BONE GRAFT MICROVASC
Medium Descr BONE GRAFT MICROVASCULAR ANAST METATARSAL
Long Descr Bone graft with microvascular anastomosis; metatarsal
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
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.
F5 Right hand, thumb
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1997-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1997.
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