Orthopedic Coding Alert
Don’t Thumb Your Nose at This Specific Fracture Code
Question: What is a Bennett fracture, and how do I report CPT® and ICD-10 codes for the condition? Massachusetts Subscriber Answer: According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), “Bennett fracture is the most common fracture involving the base of the thumb. This fracture refers to an intraarticular fracture that separates the palmar ulnar aspect of the first metacarpal base from the remaining first metacarpal.” Treatments: Many Bennett fractures can be resolved with nonsurgical means: evaluation and management (E/M) services, over the counter (OTC) medications, splinting/strapping, etc. When the fracture doesn’t require surgery, code the nonsurgical treatments as appropriate. If surgery is needed, you’ll choose either 26640, (Percutaneous skeletal fixation of carpometacarpal fracture dislocation, thumb (Bennett fracture), with manipulation), 26645 (Closed treatment of carpometacarpal fracture dislocation, thumb (Bennett fracture), with manipulation), or 26665 (Open treatment of carpometacarpal fracture dislocation, thumb (Bennett fracture), includes internal fixation, when performed). ICD-10 codes: Though CPT® and ICD-10 have slightly different naming conventions — CPT® refers to “Bennett fracture,” while ICD-10 opts for “Bennett’s fracture” — the terms are referencing the same condition. Choose from the following ICD-10 codes for Bennett (or Bennett’s) fracture diagnoses: 
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