Total Active Motion (TAM) Rating Scale After Deep Dermal Burn

 

Parameters:

(1) maximal flexion of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP)

(2) maximal flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP)

(3) maximal flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP)

(4) loss in full extension of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP)

(5) loss in full extension of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP)

(6) loss in full extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP)

 

The maximum angle for each joint is measured separately. Ideally the finger in extension is straight and the finger can be flexed into a tight curl. An inability to fully extend a finger is considered the loss of extension.

Finger Movement	Degrees When Normal
flexion DIP	65 degrees
flexion PIP	110 degrees
flexion MCP	85 degrees
extension loss DIP	0 degrees
extension loss PIP	0 degrees
extension loss MCP	0 degrees

 

total active motion in degrees =

= SUM(degrees of flexion for the 3 joints) - SUM(loss of extension for the 3 joints)

 

Interpretation:

• maximum TAM: around 260 degrees

• minimum TAM: < 60 degrees

 

TAM	Function
260 degrees	normal
220 to 259 degrees	excellent
180 to 219	good
< 180 degrees	poor

 

where:

• I am not sure how a TAM of 220 to 259 qualifies for being excellent (good maybe, with 180 to 219 fair).