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Tenodesis is a surgical procedure aimed at stabilizing a joint by anchoring the tendons that facilitate movement of that joint to the surrounding anatomical structures. Specifically, CPT® Code 26471 refers to the tenodesis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint, which is typically performed to address hyperextension deformities at this joint. During the procedure, an incision is made over the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon, which is a key tendon involved in finger flexion. The procedure involves separating one slip of the FDS tendon from the other and subsequently dividing it approximately 1.5 to 2.0 centimeters proximal to the PIP joint. This division allows for the tendon to be repositioned effectively. With the finger held in a slight flexed position, the divided slip of the FDS tendon is then sutured to the flexor tendon sheath, thereby stabilizing the joint and preventing hyperextension. It is important to note that CPT® Code 26471 should be reported for each joint that undergoes this tenodesis procedure, ensuring accurate coding and billing for the surgical intervention performed.
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The tenodesis procedure described by CPT® Code 26471 is indicated for the treatment of hyperextension deformities at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint. This condition may arise from various underlying issues, including ligamentous laxity or injury, which can lead to instability and functional impairment of the finger. The procedure aims to restore proper alignment and function of the joint by stabilizing the associated tendons.
The tenodesis procedure for the proximal interphalangeal joint involves several critical steps to ensure successful stabilization of the joint.
After the tenodesis procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve immobilization of the finger to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. The specific duration of immobilization and rehabilitation will depend on the individual case and the surgeon's recommendations. Patients are typically advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to monitor the healing process and to begin any necessary physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the affected finger.
| Short Descr | FUSION OF FINGER TENDONS | Medium Descr | TENODESIS PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT EACH | Long Descr | Tenodesis; of proximal interphalangeal joint, each joint | 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) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 4 | 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. | 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.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | F1 | Left hand, second digit | F2 | Left hand, third digit | F3 | Left hand, fourth digit | F4 | Left hand, fifth digit | F5 | Right hand, thumb | F6 | Right hand, second digit | F7 | Right hand, third digit | F8 | Right hand, fourth digit | F9 | Right hand, fifth digit | FA | Left hand, thumb | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | T5 | Right 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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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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