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Official Description

Closed treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation; without anesthesia

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 28660 refers to the closed treatment of an interphalangeal joint dislocation without the use of anesthesia. This procedure involves a careful evaluation of the neurovascular status of the toes to ensure that there is no compromise to blood flow or nerve function. Following this assessment, radiographs, or X-rays, are obtained to visualize the dislocation and confirm the diagnosis. The closed reduction technique is then employed, which involves applying longitudinal traction to the affected toe while simultaneously exerting pressure on the involved phalangeal bones. This method aims to realign the dislocated joint without the need for surgical intervention. After the reduction is successfully performed, the neurovascular status is re-evaluated, and a second set of radiographs is taken to verify that the joint has been properly aligned. To support the healing process, the foot is immobilized in a splint, and the patient receives instructions to ice and elevate the foot to reduce swelling and promote recovery. It is important to note that this code is specifically used when the dislocation is treated without anesthesia, while a different code, 28665, is designated for cases where anesthesia is required.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closed treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 28660, is indicated for patients presenting with a dislocated interphalangeal joint in the toes. This condition may arise from various causes, including trauma, sports injuries, or accidents that result in the misalignment of the joint. Symptoms typically include visible deformity of the toe, pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. The procedure is performed when the dislocation can be corrected without the need for anesthesia, making it suitable for cases where the patient can tolerate the manipulation of the joint without significant discomfort.

  • Dislocated Interphalangeal Joint The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of a dislocated interphalangeal joint in the toe, which requires realignment.
  • Trauma or Injury The procedure is often indicated following trauma or injury that results in dislocation, leading to pain and functional impairment.
  • Visible Deformity Patients may present with a visibly deformed toe, which necessitates intervention to restore normal alignment.
  • Pain and Swelling Symptoms such as pain and swelling in the affected area indicate the need for treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore function.

2. Procedure

The procedure begins with a thorough evaluation of the neurovascular status of the toes to ensure that there is no compromise to blood flow or nerve function. This assessment is crucial for determining the appropriate course of action. Following the initial evaluation, separately reportable radiographs are obtained to visualize the dislocated joint and confirm the diagnosis. Once the dislocation is confirmed, the closed reduction technique is employed. This involves applying longitudinal traction to the affected toe while simultaneously exerting pressure on the involved phalangeal bones. The goal of this technique is to realign the dislocated joint without the need for surgical intervention. After the reduction is successfully performed, the neurovascular status is re-evaluated to ensure that the joint is properly aligned and that there are no complications. A second set of radiographs is then taken to verify the successful reduction of the dislocation. To support the healing process and prevent further injury, the foot is immobilized in a splint. The patient is also instructed on post-procedure care, which includes icing and elevating the foot to reduce swelling and promote recovery.

  • Step 1: Neurovascular Evaluation The procedure begins with an assessment of the neurovascular status of the toes to ensure proper blood flow and nerve function.
  • Step 2: Radiographs Separately reportable radiographs are obtained to visualize the dislocated joint and confirm the diagnosis.
  • Step 3: Closed Reduction Longitudinal traction is applied to the affected toe, along with pressure on the involved phalangeal bones, to realign the dislocated joint.
  • Step 4: Re-evaluation After reduction, the neurovascular status is re-evaluated, and a second set of radiographs is obtained to verify proper alignment.
  • Step 5: Immobilization The foot is immobilized in a splint, and the patient is instructed to ice and elevate the foot to aid in recovery.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closed treatment of the interphalangeal joint dislocation, the patient is advised to follow specific post-procedure care instructions to facilitate healing. The foot should be kept immobilized in the splint to prevent movement that could disrupt the alignment of the joint. Patients are instructed to apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and manage pain. Elevating the foot is also recommended to further decrease swelling and promote circulation. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor the healing process and to obtain additional radiographs if needed. It is essential for patients to adhere to these instructions to ensure a successful recovery and to minimize the risk of complications.

Short Descr TREAT TOE DISLOCATION
Medium Descr CLTX INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT DISLOCATION W/O ANES
Long Descr Closed treatment of interphalangeal joint dislocation; without anesthesia
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
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) 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 MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 4
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
ER Items and services furnished by a provider-based, off-campus emergency department
F3 Left hand, fourth digit
F4 Left hand, fifth 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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing 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)
T1 Left foot, second digit
T2 Left foot, third digit
T3 Left foot, fourth digit
T4 Left foot, fifth digit
T5 Right foot, great toe
T6 Right foot, second digit
T7 Right foot, third digit
T8 Right foot, fourth digit
T9 Right foot, fifth digit
TA Left foot, great toe
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
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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