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Official Description

Closed treatment of talotarsal joint dislocation; requiring anesthesia

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The closed treatment of talotarsal joint dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 28575, involves a specific procedure that requires anesthesia. The talus, one of the seven tarsal bones in the foot, plays a crucial role in the articulation of the ankle joint, connecting superiorly with the tibia and fibula, and inferiorly with the calcaneus and navicular bones. A dislocation of the talotarsal joint is considered a rare but significant injury, affecting the talocalcaneal and/or talonavicular joints. This condition necessitates a thorough evaluation of the neurovascular status of the foot to ensure proper blood flow and nerve function. In cases where a pulse is absent, immediate reduction of the dislocated joint(s) is performed without the need for pre-reduction radiographs. Conversely, if the neurovascular status is intact, separate radiographs are obtained to assess the extent of the dislocation. The reduction process involves applying longitudinal traction to the foot while exerting pressure on the talus, typically with the knee flexed. After the joint is successfully reduced, the neurovascular status is re-evaluated, and a second set of radiographs is taken to confirm the proper alignment. Following the procedure, the foot is immobilized in a splint, and the patient is advised to ice and elevate the foot to aid in recovery. It is important to note that CPT® Code 28570 should be used when the dislocation is treated without anesthesia, while CPT® Code 28575 is specifically designated for cases requiring anesthesia.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of talotarsal joint dislocation (CPT® Code 28575) is indicated for patients presenting with a dislocation of the talocalcaneal and/or talonavicular joints. This condition may arise from traumatic injuries, such as falls or sports-related accidents, leading to significant pain, swelling, and functional impairment of the foot. The procedure is performed when there is a need to restore the normal alignment of the joint and alleviate symptoms associated with the dislocation.

  • Traumatic Injury Dislocation resulting from falls or sports-related accidents.
  • Pain and Swelling Symptoms indicating the need for intervention to restore joint function.
  • Functional Impairment Difficulty in movement or weight-bearing due to dislocation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the closed treatment of talotarsal joint dislocation involves several critical steps to ensure effective reduction and stabilization of the joint. Initially, the neurovascular status of the foot is assessed to determine the presence of a pulse. If a pulse is absent, this indicates a potential emergency, and immediate reduction of the affected joint(s) is performed without obtaining pre-reduction radiographs. In cases where the neurovascular status is intact, separate radiographs are obtained to evaluate the dislocation accurately.

  • Step 1: Neurovascular Assessment The first step involves evaluating the neurovascular status of the foot to check for pulse presence, which is crucial for determining the urgency of the procedure.
  • Step 2: Radiographic Evaluation If the neurovascular status is intact, radiographs are obtained to assess the dislocation before proceeding with the reduction.
  • Step 3: Reduction Technique With the knee flexed, the reduction is accomplished by applying longitudinal traction to the foot while simultaneously exerting pressure on the talus to realign the joint.
  • Step 4: Post-Reduction Evaluation After the reduction, the neurovascular status is re-evaluated, and a second set of radiographs is obtained to confirm the successful alignment of the joint.
  • Step 5: Immobilization The foot is then immobilized in a splint to maintain the position of the joint, and the patient is instructed on post-procedure care, including icing and elevating the foot.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the closed treatment of talotarsal joint dislocation, the patient is advised to keep the foot immobilized in a splint to ensure proper healing and prevent re-dislocation. It is essential for the patient to ice the affected area and elevate the foot to reduce swelling and discomfort. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the healing process and assess the need for further interventions, such as physical therapy, to restore full function and strength to the foot. The patient should also be educated on signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in neurovascular status, which would require immediate medical attention.

Short Descr TREAT FOOT DISLOCATION
Medium Descr CLOSED TX TALOTARSAL JOINT DISLOCATION W/ANES
Long Descr Closed treatment of talotarsal joint dislocation; requiring anesthesia
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 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 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.
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
U1 Medicaid level of care 1, as defined by each state
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