CPT® Code 26650

A carpometacarpal fracture dislocation of the thumb, commonly referred to as a Bennett fracture, involves a fracture at the base of the thumb that affects the carpometacarpal joint. This type of injury is characterized by the dislocation of the thumb metacarpal bone, which is the bone that connects the thumb to the wrist, and it often includes significant displacement of the fracture fragments. The procedure described by CPT® Code 26650 involves the use of manipulation and percutaneous skeletal fixation to correct this injury. During the procedure, the surgeon applies traction to the thumb while simultaneously extending, pronating, and abducting the metacarpal to properly align the fractured bone fragments. Following the reduction of the fracture dislocation, the surgeon employs K wires, which are thin metal pins, to stabilize the fracture. These K wires are inserted through the dorsal radial aspect of the thumb metacarpal base and into the reduced volar ulnar fragment. In cases where the fracture involves a very small fragment, the K wire may be directed from the thumb metacarpal into the trapezium bone or the index metacarpal to ensure adequate fixation and promote healing.