Total active motion (TAM)

Total active motion (TAM) is described by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand as the sum of active MCP, PIP and DIP arc of motion in degrees of an individual digit. This calculation can then be compared to the TAM of the contralateral hand.

How to calculate TAM

1. Evaluate the patient’s flexion and extension of their MP, PIP, and DIP joints of each finger. Measure the values for each joint separately with a goniometer.

2. Calculate the TAM by subtracting the total active flexion of the MP, PIP, and DIP joints from the total extension deficit of the same joints.

3. Repeat the same steps on the corresponding joints of the contralateral hand.

4 Calculate TAM% by dividing the TAM of the injured finger by the TAM of the contralateral finger.

 

 

 

 

 

Definition of Positive Result
A positive result occurs when the patient displays a TAM% that is fair or poor in at least one of the digits evaluated.

Definition of Negative Result
A negative result occurs when the patient displays a TAM% that is good or excellent in every digit evaluated i.e. the patient has a normal range of motion in all joints.

https://www.handsurgeryresource.com/total-active-rom

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