In simple words: Replantation is the surgical reattachment of a completely severed foot. The surgeon cleans the amputated foot and the remaining leg, shortens bones if needed for proper reattachment, rejoins the bones, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves, and then closes the skin and wound.

This procedure involves the reattachment of a completely amputated foot. It includes debridement of devitalized tissue, identification and preparation of viable structures, bone shortening (if necessary), fixation of bones (e.g., arthrodesis, plates, wires), repair of tendons (e.g., flexors, extensors, Achilles), microvascular anastomosis of arteries and veins, and microneurorrhaphy. Skin closure and wound care are also included.

Example 1: A 35-year-old male experiences a complete traumatic amputation of his left foot in a motorcycle accident. The amputated foot is preserved appropriately and transported with the patient to a hospital equipped for replantation surgery. The surgeon performs replantation of the foot using code 20838., A 20-year-old female factory worker sustains a complete amputation of her right foot due to an industrial accident. The amputated part is preserved correctly. Microvascular replantation surgery (code 20838) is performed within the critical time window., A child's foot is completely amputated in a lawnmower accident. Due to the child's age and potential for growth and recovery, replantation (20838) is attempted, despite the complex nature of the injury.

Documentation should include details of the amputation (mechanism, level), condition of the amputated part, ischemia time, operative report detailing the replantation procedure (bone fixation, tendon repair, vascular and nerve repair), and postoperative care plan.