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Official Description

Closed treatment of talus fracture; without manipulation

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Closed treatment of a talus fracture refers to a non-surgical procedure aimed at managing a fracture of the talus bone, which is located in the ankle. The talus plays a crucial role in the ankle joint by connecting the leg bones, the tibia and fibula, to the foot. This procedure is specifically indicated for fractures that are either nondisplaced or minimally displaced, meaning that the bone fragments have not shifted significantly from their normal position. During the treatment, the physician does not manipulate the fracture fragments, which distinguishes it from other procedures that may involve manual realignment of displaced fractures. Prior to the treatment, separate radiographs (X-rays) are obtained to confirm the presence and type of fracture. Additionally, a neurovascular examination is conducted to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury site, ensuring that there are no complications that could affect healing. Following the assessment, a cast or brace is applied to immobilize the fracture, promoting proper healing without the need for surgical intervention.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Closed treatment of a talus fracture is indicated for specific conditions related to the injury of the talus bone. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Nondisplaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical position.
  • Minimally Displaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments are slightly out of alignment but do not require manipulation to restore proper alignment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for closed treatment of a talus fracture involves several key steps that ensure proper management of the injury. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Radiographic Confirmation Initially, separate radiographs are obtained to confirm the presence of a talus fracture. This imaging is crucial for determining the type and extent of the fracture, guiding the subsequent treatment approach.
  • Step 2: Neurovascular Examination A thorough neurovascular examination is performed to assess the condition of the nerves and blood vessels in the area surrounding the fracture. This step is essential to rule out any potential complications that could affect healing and recovery.
  • Step 3: Application of Immobilization Device Once the fracture is confirmed and the neurovascular status is deemed intact, a cast or brace is applied to immobilize the fracture. This immobilization is critical for ensuring that the bone fragments remain stable and aligned during the healing process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of a talus fracture, the patient is typically advised on post-procedure care, which may include instructions for keeping the cast or brace dry and intact. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process through additional radiographs. Patients may also be instructed on weight-bearing restrictions and the importance of avoiding activities that could stress the injured area. The expected recovery time can vary based on the severity of the fracture and the patient's overall health, but adherence to post-procedure guidelines is essential for optimal healing.

Short Descr TREATMENT OF ANKLE FRACTURE
Medium Descr CLOSED TX TALUS FRACTURE W/O MANIPULATION
Long Descr Closed treatment of talus fracture; without manipulation
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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 147 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of lower extremity (other than hip or femur)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
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
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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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