ICD-10-PCS Billable Code

0QWN0JZ

Revision Metatarsal, Right to No Qualifier with Synthetic Substitute, Open Approach

Procedural Specifications

Clinical Axis Detail Definition
Section0 Medical and Surgical
Body SystemQ Lower Bones
OperationW Revision
Body PartN Metatarsal, Right
Approach0 Open
DeviceJ Synthetic Substitute
QualifierZ No Qualifier

Operation Definition

Correcting, to the extent possible, a portion of a malfunctioning device or the position of a displaced device

Procedure Overview

Revision procedures address a device that was previously implanted in a lower bone - such as a rod, plate, screw, or bone cement construct - when it has shifted position, is malfunctioning, or is otherwise not working as intended. The bone itself is not the primary target; the hardware or material within or against it is.

These procedures are common after orthopedic fixation surgery when follow-up imaging or symptoms reveal that a fixation device has loosened, backed out, broken, or migrated. Surgeons go back in to reposition, tighten, repair, or otherwise correct the existing device to the extent possible, aiming to avoid a full device replacement if the original hardware can still function once adjusted.

Anatomy & Axis Detail

Metatarsal, Right

The metatarsals of the right foot are the long bones connecting the tarsals to the toes, frequently instrumented after fractures, bunion correction, or Lisfranc injuries. Revision in this region typically involves repositioning screws or plates that have loosened, backed out, or failed to maintain proper metatarsal alignment, which is critical for normal weight distribution during walking. The first metatarsal, bearing the greatest load, is a particularly common site for revision following osteotomy procedures such as those for hallux valgus. Because metatarsal hardware sits close to the skin on the dorsal foot, symptomatic prominence is a frequent trigger for revision even when the underlying correction remains adequate. Precise identification of the affected metatarsal number supports accurate documentation.

Approach: Open

Open approach means the surgeon cuts through skin, mucous membrane, or other tissue layers to physically expose the target site to view before performing the procedure. It gives direct visualization and hands-on access, distinguishing it from Percutaneous approaches where instruments pass through a small puncture without exposing the site. Open is typical for procedures needing wide access, such as most laparotomies.

Device: Synthetic Substitute

Synthetic Substitute designates a device made from manufactured, non-biologic material, such as mesh or prosthetic components, used to replace or augment a body part. It is distinguished from the two tissue substitute categories by its artificial composition, which carries different considerations for integration and long-term durability than biologic grafts.

Coding & Documentation

The documentation needs to describe correction of a device already in place - repositioning a displaced screw, replacing a broken segment of a rod, or repairing a malfunctioning fixation component - rather than removal of the device followed by insertion of a brand-new one. If the surgeon fully swaps out the device rather than fixing the one already present, Removal plus Insertion or Replacement is usually the more accurate combination.

A frequent assignment mistake is coding Revision for a straightforward hardware removal with no correction performed, or for a first-time hardware placement. Coders should also verify the correct body part value reflects the bone where the device sits, since Revision codes are structured around device location rather than the device type itself.

Commonly Confused With

RemovalRemoval is the most easily confused pairing - it applies when a device is taken out without a corrective adjustment to a remaining device, whereas Revision specifically means correcting a device that stays in place or is being adjusted.
ReplacementReplacement comes into play when the malfunctioning device is swapped entirely for a new one rather than repaired, which changes both the root operation and often the body part logic.
RepairRepair is reserved for correcting the bone tissue itself if it was damaged, separate from correcting the hardware.