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The CPT® Code 26373 refers to the surgical procedure involving the repair or advancement of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon when the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon remains intact. This procedure is categorized as a secondary repair, which is defined as being performed more than two weeks after the initial tendon injury. The FDP tendon is crucial for finger flexion, extending from the upper anterior and medial aspects of the ulna to the wrist, where it divides into four tendons that insert at the palmar base of the distal phalanx of each finger. The repair process involves locating the distal and proximal ends of the severed tendon, which may necessitate a separate incision if the proximal end has retracted. The proximal end of the tendon is then advanced distally and sutured to the distal end, or if the distal stump is less than 1 cm, it may be anchored directly to the base of the distal phalanx. This procedure is performed without the use of a free graft, distinguishing it from other related procedures that may involve grafting techniques. The surgical approach typically includes a volar zigzag or lateral incision, with careful dissection of soft tissues to protect surrounding neurovascular structures.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 26373 is indicated for the repair or advancement of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon in cases where the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon is intact. This procedure is typically performed in the following situations:
The procedure for CPT® Code 26373 involves several critical steps to ensure proper repair of the FDP tendon:
After the completion of the procedure, appropriate post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may be advised to keep the affected hand elevated to reduce swelling and to follow specific instructions regarding immobilization of the finger to allow for proper healing. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to restore function and strength to the finger, and follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure that the tendon is healing correctly. Pain management strategies may also be discussed to help manage any discomfort during the recovery period.
| Short Descr | REPAIR FINGER/HAND TENDON | Medium Descr | RPR/ADVMNT TDN W/NTC SUPFCIS TDN W/O FREE GRF EA | Long Descr | Repair or advancement of profundus tendon, with intact superficialis tendon; secondary without free graft, each tendon | 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) | 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) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons |
| 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. | 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.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F1 | Left hand, second digit | F3 | Left hand, fourth digit | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | F5 | Right hand, thumb | F7 | Right hand, third digit | F9 | Right hand, fifth digit | 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) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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