Listing 1.17 applies to individuals who have undergone reconstructive surgery (e.g., total knee or hip replacement) or a surgical fusion (arthrodesis) of a major weight-bearing joint (hip, knee, or ankle) and continue to experience severe functional limitations. This listing comes into play if, after adequate healing time, the claimant still cannot ambulate effectively or perform normal weight-bearing activities.
Listing 1.17
1.17 Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint (that is, hip, knee, or ankle). With all of the following:
- A documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands; and
B. Clinical evidence showing that the individual has not achieved a level of functioning that permits independent ambulation without the use of a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches or a wheeled and seated mobility device; and
C. The inability to ambulate effectively, as defined in 1.00C6, and the impairment is expected to last for at least 12 months from the date of the surgery or arthrodesis.
Core Elements of Listing 1.17
- Major Weight-Bearing Joint Involvement
- The reconstructed or fused joint must be a hip, knee, or ankle—a critical joint that supports ambulation (walking) and standing.
- Surgery or Arthrodesis Documented
- Medical records must show completion of the procedure (e.g., operative reports) and the typical healing period has passed.
- Ineffective Ambulation
- Even after healing, the individual cannot walk effectively. For Social Security, “effective ambulation” generally means the ability to walk sufficiently fast, safely, and independently to carry out everyday activities (e.g., shopping, navigating uneven surfaces).
- 12-Month Duration Requirement
- The inability to ambulate effectively must last—or be expected to last—at least 12 continuous months after the surgery.
Tips on Proving the Claimant Meets Listing 1.17
- Surgical and Postoperative Records
- Include operative notes describing the reconstruction or fusion and follow-up reports detailing any complications or prolonged recovery (e.g., infection, hardware failure, or inadequate healing).
- Physical Therapy and Rehab Documentation
- Show lack of progress despite appropriate rehab efforts—e.g., if the claimant cannot achieve normal range of motion or weight-bearing capacity.
- Proof of Ongoing Ambulation Problems
- Demonstrate reliance on assistive devices (cane, walker, or crutches), plus physician statements confirming the claimant must use them or risk falls.
- If doctors have measured how far or how quickly the claimant can walk (like a 6-minute walk test), these objective results can support “ineffective ambulation.”
- Imaging Studies (If Relevant)
- X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans after surgery can show prosthesis alignment or other factors (e.g., bone healing, hardware loosening, inflammation). These help confirm why the claimant remains so limited.
- Daily Living Impairments
- Collect statements from the claimant or third parties about struggling to stand more than a few minutes, climb stairs, or walk normal distances—even on flat surfaces.
- Specialist Opinions
- A written opinion from the orthopedic surgeon or a rehabilitation specialist clarifying that the claimant’s functional deficits remain severe despite best efforts at recovery.
Under Listing 1.17, a Social Security Disability lawyer can help a claimant qualify for disability if reconstructive surgery or arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint fails to restore effective ambulation over a 12-month period. Comprehensive post-op records, consistent evidence of mobility limitations, and medical expert support are essential to prove listing-level severity.