2025 CPT code 26910
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Amputation Musculoskeletal System Feed
Amputation of a metacarpal bone with a finger or thumb (ray amputation), single, with or without interosseous muscle transfer.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) might be used if other procedures are performed during the same session.Modifier 76 (repeat procedure) could be used if the same physician repeats the procedure.
The medical necessity of a ray amputation is determined by the severity of the injury or the presence of a malignant tumor affecting the metacarpal and digit. Factors considered include the extent of damage, the potential for functional restoration, and the need to prevent complications such as infection or further tissue damage.Documentation of the injury or tumor, and the benefits of amputation versus other options, are crucial for establishing medical necessity.
The surgeon performs this procedure after a traumatic injury resulting in partial amputation of a finger or thumb. The surgeon's responsibilities include making the incision, dissecting the tissue, detaching muscles, amputating the bone, potentially transferring the interosseous muscle, and closing the wound.
In simple words: The doctor removes a finger or thumb along with part of the hand bone.They may also move a muscle to help keep the hand working properly.
This procedure involves the amputation of a single metacarpal bone along with a finger or thumb.The surgeon makes an incision, dissects through subcutaneous tissue, detaches muscle attachments (potentially transferring the interosseous muscle to a neighboring metacarpal for functional preservation), amputates the bone, and closes the wound.The decision to transfer the interosseous muscle is based on the surgeon's assessment.
Example 1: A patient presents with a severely crushed thumb and metacarpal following a workplace accident. The surgeon performs a ray amputation (26910) to remove the damaged structures and improve the patient's functional outcome., A patient sustains a partial amputation of the index finger and adjacent metacarpal in a motor vehicle accident.The surgeon performs a ray amputation (26910), including interosseous muscle transfer, to preserve hand function., A patient has a malignant tumor involving the metacarpal and little finger.The surgeon performs a ray amputation (26910) as part of the cancer treatment plan.This may be followed by adjuvant therapies like chemotherapy or radiation.
Preoperative and postoperative diagnostic imaging (X-rays), operative report detailing the procedure performed (including whether interosseous muscle transfer was done), pathology report if applicable (for tumor cases), and any relevant notes on the patient's functional status before and after surgery.
** The description of this procedure in the CPT manual does not explicitly mention malignant tumor resection.However, based on clinical practice and the guidelines for other similar procedures, 26910 can be used when the amputation is performed to remove a cancerous tumor affecting the involved structures.Always ensure detailed and thorough documentation to support the medical necessity of the procedure.
- Revenue Code: P5B (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - MUSCULOSKELETAL)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: No TC modifier is applicable to this code.
- Specialties:Hand Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office