CPT® Code 26546

The procedure described by CPT® Code 26546 pertains to the surgical repair of a non-union in the metacarpal or phalanx bones. A non-union occurs when the fracture fragments fail to heal together after an adequate period, resulting in a persistent gap at the fracture site. This condition necessitates surgical intervention to promote healing and restore function. During the procedure, the surgeon exposes the original fracture site to assess the non-union and determine the appropriate method of repair. This may involve the use of internal fixation devices, such as pins or wires, and/or external fixation methods to stabilize the bone fragments. Additionally, a bone graft may be utilized to fill any defects and facilitate the healing process. The graft can be harvested from the patient's own body, typically from the iliac crest, where a skin incision is made, and the underlying muscle is carefully stripped to access the bone. The harvested bone is then shaped to fit the defect or morcellized and packed into the area to encourage union. The combination of these techniques aims to achieve successful healing of the non-union and restore the structural integrity of the metacarpal or phalanx.