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Official Description

Application of finger splint; dynamic

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 29131 refers to the application of a dynamic finger splint, which is a specialized device designed to support and stabilize an injured finger while allowing for controlled movement. Unlike a static splint, which restricts movement to promote healing, a dynamic splint is engineered to apply a gentle, sustained force to the finger, facilitating movement during the recovery process. This type of splint is particularly beneficial for conditions that require rehabilitation of the finger's range of motion, as it helps to prevent stiffness and promotes functional recovery. The application process involves careful preparation and fitting to ensure that the splint provides adequate support while allowing for the necessary mobility, tailored to the specific injury or condition being treated. The choice of dynamic splint is determined by the nature of the injury, ensuring that it meets the therapeutic needs of the patient effectively.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The application of a dynamic finger splint (CPT® Code 29131) is indicated for various conditions and injuries affecting the finger that require stabilization while allowing for movement. These indications may include:

  • Finger fractures - To support the healing of broken bones in the finger while permitting controlled motion.
  • Tendon injuries - To facilitate rehabilitation of the flexor or extensor tendons, allowing for gradual movement as healing progresses.
  • Joint injuries - To stabilize the finger joints while enabling movement to prevent stiffness.
  • Post-surgical recovery - To support the finger after surgical interventions, ensuring proper alignment and movement during the healing phase.

2. Procedure

The procedure for applying a dynamic finger splint involves several detailed steps to ensure proper fit and function. Each step is crucial for the effectiveness of the splint in supporting the injured finger while allowing for movement.

  • Step 1: Preparation of the finger - The finger is first assessed for the specific injury or condition. Petroleum jelly may be applied to the skin to protect it from irritation caused by the splint material.
  • Step 2: Selection of splint material - The appropriate dynamic splint material is chosen based on the type of injury. This material is designed to provide support while allowing for movement.
  • Step 3: Preparation of the splint - Plaster sheets are cut to the appropriate length and immersed in water to saturate them. Excess water is gently squeezed out to ensure the plaster is not overly wet.
  • Step 4: Application of the plaster - The saturated plaster is applied to the posterior aspect of the finger, ensuring it conforms to the finger's shape. The plaster is then smoothed and molded to provide a secure fit.
  • Step 5: Securing the splint - An elastic bandage or tape is wrapped around the finger splint to hold it in place, ensuring that it remains secure during movement.

3. Post-Procedure

After the application of the dynamic finger splint, the patient is typically advised on care and usage. It is important to monitor the finger for any signs of discomfort or complications, such as increased swelling or skin irritation. Patients may be instructed on how to perform gentle exercises to promote movement while wearing the splint. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess healing and adjust the splint as needed. The duration of splint use will depend on the specific injury and the patient's progress in recovery.

Short Descr APPLICATION OF FINGER SPLINT
Medium Descr APPLICATION FINGER SPLINT DYNAMIC
Long Descr Application of finger splint; dynamic
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory 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 STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 214 - Traction, splints, and other wound care
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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).
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
F1 Left hand, second digit
F2 Left hand, third digit
F3 Left hand, fourth digit
F4 Left hand, fifth digit
F5 Right hand, thumb
F6 Right hand, second digit
F7 Right hand, third digit
F8 Right hand, fourth digit
F9 Right hand, fifth digit
FA Left hand, thumb
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GO Services delivered under an outpatient occupational therapy plan of care
GP Services delivered under an outpatient physical therapy plan of care
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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