Listing code
101.17
Children (Part B)
Body system
101.00
Musculoskeletal disorders (children)
Subsections
3
Lettered criteria paths
Step in evaluation
3 of 5
Listing match approves the claim
SSA listing text and criteria
Reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint (see 101.00H ), documented by A, B, and C:
Subsection A
History of reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint. AND
Subsection B
Impairment-related physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning that has lasted, or is expected to last, for a continuous period of at least 12 months. AND
Subsection C
A documented medical need (see 101.00C6a ) for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches (see 101.00C6d ) or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands (see 101.00C6e(i) ).
Source: SSA Blue Book listing 101.17. Last synced 2026-05-04.
Where claims under 101.17 usually fail
One failure mode is missing subsection A documentation, such as having joint surgery reported by family without medical documentation identifying reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis for a major weight-bearing joint. Another is treating the condition as temporary, even though subsection B requires impairment-related physical limitation that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. A third pitfall is equipment mismatch: subsection C requires a documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device involving the use of both hands. A fourth problem is mixing up mobility aids that do not match the required categories or the "both hands" detail for the wheeled and seated device.
Medical evidence that strengthens this claim
To support listing 101.17, the medical file should include documentation of reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint (subsection A). The record should also document impairment-related physical limitation of musculoskeletal functioning that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months (subsection B). For subsection C, look for medical documentation that the child has a documented medical need for a walker, bilateral canes, or bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device that involves using both hands.
What happens if your records do not meet this listing
If the case does not satisfy 101.17, steps 4 and 5 still matter because approval can still happen under a different path. Step 4 focuses on what the child can still do despite the impairments, based on residual functional capacity. If the child cannot do work-like activities at the required level, step 5 considers whether the impairments are severe enough to meet the relevant standard for being found disabled, rather than relying only on the presence of one element like surgery.
Work activity and the SGA gate for this condition
For children applying under Part B, this listing includes a specific work-ability standard in the form of functional limitations and equipment needs, not an adult work test. Still, sustained physical limitations tied to subsection B (at least 12 continuous months) and the equipment requirement in subsection C (walker, bilateral canes, bilateral crutches, or a wheeled and seated mobility device using both hands) are the core "function" elements that drive whether the medical picture matches the listing criteria. After approval, the same listing concept continues to matter because the child's eligibility depends on the continuing severity and functional impact reflected in the documented limitations and mobility needs.
Listing 101.17 FAQ
Questions that come up repeatedly for reconstructive surgery or surgical arthrodesis of a major weight-bearing joint disability claims.