AHA Coding Clinic® for HCPCS - 2025 Issue 2; Ask the Editor

Extensor tendon tenosynovectomy

A patient with basal joint arthritis and instability of the left thumb metacarpophalangeal joint presented for surgical treatment. The patient was appropriately prepped and anesthetized. The procedure began with the treatment of left small finger extensor tenosynovitis. A dorsal longitudinal incision was made over the swelling of the extensor tendons. Hemostasis was maintained using bipolar cautery, and blunt dissection was carried down through the subcutaneous tissue. Significant tenosynovitis was observed surrounding the extensor digiti minimi and extensor digitorum communis tendons. The tenosynovitis was sharply excised using tenotomy scissors, performing a tenosynovectomy of both the extensor digiti minimi and extensor digitorum communis tendons. Evaluation confirmed the complete removal of tenosynovitis from the tendons, from proximal to distal. Passive flexion and extension demonstrated intact tendons with full range of motion at the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints. The wound was then irrigated and closed.How should the tenosynovectomy of the extensor digiti minimi and extensor digitorum communis tendons be reported? ...

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