Limitation of motion refers to loss of any portion of the normal range of motion (ROM) of a given joint. In this case, limitation of motion occurs in the joint(s) of the ring or little finger.

The condition may result from disease, trauma, surgery, or immobility. The condition may be congenital or it may be hereditary.

Limitations will depend on the degree of ring or little finger motion possible. Additional signs and symptoms may be present due to the underlying cause of the condition such as, disease, trauma, or surgery.

Tests to determine the presence limitation of motion may include: inspection of the joint; palpation; measurements of ROM; evaluation of the ligaments for stability; muscle-strength testing; sensory testing; and x-rays.

Treatments may include: physical therapy; and maintenance of the affected joints in a functional position by ROM exercises to the affected joints. Medications and other therapies may be instituted to treat other conditions that contribute to the condition such as arthritis (see Diagnostic Code: 5003 Arthritis, degenerative).

Residuals may include deterioration at the site of the affected joint due to decreased mobility. Physical therapy may be needed.

• The rating schedule for musculoskeletal was updated on February 7, 2021. Protection still does apply and should be considered with existing evaluations (38 CFR 3.951(a)).

• Refer to Special Considerations under Evaluation of Ankylosis or Limitation of Motion of Single or Multiple Digits of the Hand.

• For the index, long, ring, and little fingers (digits II, III, IV, and V), zero degrees of flexion represents the fingers fully extended, making a straight line with the rest of the hand. The position of function of the hand is with the wrist dorsiflexed 20 to 30 degrees, the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints flexed to 30 degrees, and the thumb (digit I) abducted and rotated so that the thumb pad faces the finger pads. Only joints in these positions are considered to be in favorable position. For digits II through V, the metacarpophalangeal joint has a range of zero to 90 degrees of flexion, the proximal interphalangeal joint has a range of zero to 100 degrees of flexion, and the distal (terminal) interphalangeal joint has a range of zero to 70 or 80 degrees of flexion.

• When two or more digits of the same hand are affected by any combination of amputation, ankylosis, or limitation of motion that is not otherwise specified in the rating schedule, the evaluation level assigned will be that which best represents the overall disability (i.e., amputation, unfavorable or favorable ankylosis, or limitation of motion), assigning the higher level of evaluation when the level of disability is equally balanced between one level and the next higher level.

• Evaluation of ankylosis of the index, long, ring, and little fingers:

  • (i) If both the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of a digit are ankylosed, and either is in extension or full flexion, or there is rotation or angulation of a bone, evaluate as amputation without metacarpal resection, at proximal interphalangeal joint or proximal thereto

  • (ii) If both the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of a digit are ankylosed, evaluate as unfavorable ankylosis, even if each joint is individually fixed in a favorable position

  • (iii) If only the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joint is ankylosed, and there is a gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm.) between the fingertip(s) and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, with the finger(s) flexed to the extent possible, evaluate as unfavorable ankylosis

  • (iv) If only the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joint is ankylosed, and there is a gap of two inches (5.1 cm.) or less between the fingertip(s) and the proximal transverse crease of the palm, with the finger(s) flexed to the extent possible, evaluate as favorable ankylosis

• Evaluation of ankylosis of the thumb:

  • (i) If both the carpometacarpal and interphalangeal joints are ankylosed, and either is in extension or full flexion, or there is rotation or angulation of a bone, evaluate as amputation at metacarpophalangeal joint or through proximal phalanx

  • (ii) If both the carpometacarpal and interphalangeal joints are ankylosed, evaluate as unfavorable ankylosis, even if each joint is individually fixed in a favorable position

  • (iii) If only the carpometacarpal or interphalangeal joint is ankylosed, and there is a gap of more than two inches (5.1 cm.) between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, evaluate as unfavorable ankylosis

  • (iv) If only the carpometacarpal or interphalangeal joint is ankylosed, and there is a gap of two inches (5.1 cm.) or less between the thumb pad and the fingers, with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, evaluate as favorable ankylosis

• If there is limitation of motion of two or more digits, evaluate each digit separately and combine the evaluations. 38 CFR 4.25

• For more information on Ankylosis, see the Problematic Issues section in the Musculoskeletal Overview.