CPT® Code 28296

Correction, hallux valgus with bunionectomy, with sesamoidectomy when performed; with distal metatarsal osteotomy, any method

The procedure described by CPT® Code 28296 involves the surgical correction of hallux valgus, commonly known as a bunion, through a bunionectomy that includes a sesamoidectomy when necessary, along with a distal metatarsal osteotomy. Hallux valgus is a deformity characterized by the lateral deviation of the big toe, which can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty in walking. The surgical intervention aims to realign the first metatarsal bone and restore normal anatomy and function of the foot. In this procedure, a distal osteotomy is performed, which refers to the surgical cutting of the metatarsal bone closer to the toe, as opposed to a proximal osteotomy that would be performed further back on the bone. The surgical approach typically involves a medial incision made just proximal to the medial eminence of the first metatarsal, allowing access to the metatarsophalangeal joint. The procedure may also include the excision of the sesamoid bones if they are found to be fractured or inflamed, which can contribute to the patient's symptoms. Overall, this procedure is designed to alleviate pain, improve foot function, and enhance the patient's quality of life by correcting the structural deformity associated with hallux valgus.