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Official Description

Closed treatment of sesamoid fracture

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28530 refers to the closed treatment of a sesamoid fracture, which is a specific type of fracture occurring in the sesamoid bones of the foot. Sesamoid bones are small, round bones that are embedded within tendons, and in the context of the foot, there are two primary sesamoid bones located beneath the great toe joint, situated in the ball of the foot. These bones play a crucial role in the mechanics of the foot, particularly in weight-bearing and movement. When a sesamoid fracture occurs, it can be due to various factors such as trauma, overuse, or stress. The closed treatment approach indicated by this code involves managing the fracture without surgical intervention. In this procedure, a thorough evaluation is conducted, which includes obtaining radiographs that are separately reportable to confirm the presence of the fracture. A neurovascular examination is also performed to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the injury site, ensuring that there is no compromise to these critical structures. If the fracture is classified as nondisplaced, it means that the bone fragments remain in their normal position, and no manipulation is necessary. However, if the fracture is minimally displaced, the fragments may require reduction, which involves carefully manipulating them back into proper alignment. To support the healing process, various methods such as padding, strapping, or taping may be employed to alleviate pressure and tension on the fracture site. Additionally, immobilization of the fracture is often achieved through the application of a cast or a boot, which helps to stabilize the area and promote recovery. This code specifically addresses the non-surgical management of sesamoid fractures, distinguishing it from other treatment options that may involve surgical intervention, such as open reduction and internal fixation, which is represented by CPT® Code 28531.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of a sesamoid fracture, as indicated by CPT® Code 28530, is performed under specific circumstances related to the condition of the sesamoid bones in the foot. The following indications are explicitly associated with this procedure:

  • Sesamoid Fracture A fracture of the sesamoid bones located beneath the great toe joint, which may occur due to trauma, repetitive stress, or overuse.
  • Nondisplaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical position, requiring no manipulation.
  • Minimally Displaced Fracture A fracture where the bone fragments are slightly misaligned, necessitating manipulation to restore proper alignment.

2. Procedure

The closed treatment of a sesamoid fracture involves several key procedural steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Radiographic Evaluation Initially, the physician obtains separately reportable radiographs to confirm the presence of a sesamoid fracture. This imaging is crucial for diagnosing the fracture and determining the appropriate treatment approach.
  • Step 2: Neurovascular Examination A comprehensive neurovascular exam is conducted to assess the integrity of the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the fracture site. This step is essential to ensure that there is no compromise to the neurovascular structures, which could complicate the healing process.
  • Step 3: Assessment of Fracture Type The physician evaluates whether the fracture is nondisplaced or minimally displaced. If the fracture is nondisplaced, no further manipulation is required. In cases of minimally displaced fractures, the physician prepares to manipulate the fragments back into their proper anatomical alignment.
  • Step 4: Reduction of Fracture (if applicable) For minimally displaced fractures, the physician carefully reduces the fracture by manipulating the bone fragments into their correct position. This step is critical for ensuring proper healing and function of the sesamoid bone.
  • Step 5: Application of Supportive Measures Following reduction, the physician may apply padding, strapping, or taping to relieve pressure and tension on the fracture site. These supportive measures help stabilize the area and promote healing.
  • Step 6: Immobilization Finally, the physician applies a cast or boot to immobilize the fracture. This immobilization is vital for preventing movement at the fracture site, allowing for optimal healing and recovery.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of a sesamoid fracture, the patient is typically advised on post-procedure care to ensure proper recovery. This may include instructions on how to care for the cast or boot, recommendations for weight-bearing activities, and guidelines for follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. Patients may also be advised to perform specific exercises or rehabilitation activities once the fracture has sufficiently healed to restore strength and mobility in the affected foot. Regular follow-up visits are essential to assess the healing of the fracture through additional radiographs and to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Short Descr TREAT SESAMOID BONE FRACTURE
Medium Descr CLOSED TREATMENT SESAMOID FRACTURE
Long Descr Closed treatment of sesamoid fracture
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) 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 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 MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
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)
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.
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.
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.)
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)
T7 Right foot, third digit
TA Left foot, great toe
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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