CPT® Code 28120

Partial excision (craterization, saucerization, sequestrectomy, or diaphysectomy) bone (eg, osteomyelitis or bossing); talus or calcaneus

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28120 involves a partial excision of bone, specifically targeting the talus or calcaneus, which are bones located in the ankle and heel, respectively. This surgical intervention is also known by several terms, including craterization, saucerization, sequestrectomy, or diaphysectomy. The primary indications for this procedure include the treatment of osteomyelitis, which is a serious infection of the bone that can produce pus, and the removal of a bony protuberance, referred to as bossing. The goal of the procedure is to remove infected or necrotic bone tissue to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Craterization and saucerization techniques are employed to create a shallow depression in the bone surface, facilitating drainage from the infected area. Sequestrectomy specifically targets the excision of necrotic bone that has detached from healthy bone, while diaphysectomy focuses on the removal of infected sections of the long bone shaft. This procedure is critical in managing conditions that compromise bone integrity and function, ensuring that the affected area is cleared of infection and allowing for potential recovery and restoration of normal bone structure.