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Official Description

Radical resection of tumor, metacarpal

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal bone is a surgical procedure primarily indicated for the removal of malignant neoplasms, although it may also be necessary for benign tumors or tumors of indeterminate nature. The procedure begins with the creation of a skin incision directly over the tumor site, or alternatively, a skin flap may be elevated to provide access. During the operation, the surgeon meticulously dissects the overlying tissue to expose the tumor. The radical resection involves the complete removal of all bone and cartilage within the metacarpal that is affected by the tumor. This is done en bloc, meaning the tumor is excised along with a wide margin of healthy surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells. The procedure also necessitates the excision of all involved soft tissues, which can include muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and any tissues that are adjacent to the joints. To confirm that the surgical margins are free of tumor cells, a separately reportable frozen section may be performed during the procedure. If any margins are found to contain malignancy, further tissue is excised until all margins are confirmed to be clear of cancerous cells. Post-surgery, drains may be placed as necessary to manage fluid accumulation, and the surgical wound can be closed in layers, or additional reconstructive procedures may be performed if required.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal is performed under specific clinical circumstances. The primary indications for this procedure include:

  • Malignant Neoplasm The procedure is primarily indicated for the removal of malignant tumors located in the metacarpal bone.
  • Benign Tumors In certain cases, benign tumors that pose a risk of complications or have the potential for malignancy may also necessitate radical resection.
  • Indeterminate Tumors Tumors of indeterminate nature, where the potential for malignancy is uncertain, may require radical resection to ensure complete removal and to prevent future complications.

2. Procedure

The radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal bone involves several critical procedural steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with the creation of a skin incision directly over the tumor site. Alternatively, a skin flap may be elevated to provide better access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 2: Dissection Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully dissects the overlying tissue to expose the tumor. This step is crucial for visualizing the tumor and surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Tumor Resection The surgeon proceeds to resect all bone and cartilage in the metacarpal that is involved with the tumor. This is performed en bloc, meaning the tumor is removed along with a wide margin of healthy surrounding tissue to ensure complete excision of any malignant cells.
  • Step 4: Soft Tissue Excision In addition to the bone, all involved soft tissues are excised. This may include muscles, tendons, fat, blood vessels, lymph vessels, nerves, and any tissues surrounding the joints that may be affected by the tumor.
  • Step 5: Frozen Section A separately reportable frozen section may be performed during the procedure to assess the surgical margins for the presence of tumor cells. If any margins are found to contain malignancy, additional tissue is removed until all margins are confirmed to be free of tumor cells.
  • Step 6: Drain Placement After the tumor and surrounding tissues have been removed, drains may be placed as needed to manage any fluid accumulation in the surgical area.
  • Step 7: Wound Closure Finally, the surgical wound may be closed in layers, or if necessary, separately reportable reconstructive procedures may be performed to ensure optimal healing and function.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a radical resection of a tumor in the metacarpal bone involves monitoring for complications and ensuring proper healing. Patients may require pain management and should be observed for signs of infection or other postoperative complications. The surgical site will need to be kept clean and dry, and any drains placed during the procedure will be monitored for output. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and to evaluate the need for any additional treatments or interventions. Rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function and strength in the affected hand, depending on the extent of the resection and the tissues involved.

Short Descr EXTENSIVE HAND SURGERY
Medium Descr RADICAL RESECTION TUMOR METACARPAL
Long Descr Radical resection of tumor, metacarpal
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 2
CCS Clinical Classification 142 - Partial excision bone
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).
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
F5 Right hand, thumb
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)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
T5 Right foot, great toe
Date
Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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