Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita refers to a group of rare disorders that develop in the womb and cause many joints to become "frozen" in position.

Birth defects, also called congenital anomalies, are physical abnormalities that occur before a baby is born. "Congenital" means "present at birth." (See also Introduction to Birth Defects of the Bones, Joints, and Muscles.)

Arthrogryposis is a condition in which joints become permanently fixed or "frozen" in position. Frozen joints are not one specific disease, but an abnormality that may occur in more than different disorders. Despite the possibility of being present in many disorders, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is rare. However, the risk of fetal or infant death is high, so timely diagnosis is important.

Causes of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita

Any condition that impairs or limits the movement of a baby while in the womb can result in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Examples include

Symptoms of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita

In infants with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a number of joints become curved and frozen and consequently cannot bend. The muscles attached to the frozen joints

What is the outlook for arthrogryposis?

AMC is not a progressive disorder, which means it will not worsen over time. Doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, and other medical team members can often help a baby correct the contractures and go on to live typical lives.

According to a , researchers followed up with 65 people diagnosed with AMC. They ranged in age up to 65 years old. Many participants married and had children, but AMC only affected 4 of these children. The adults all noted that while they underwent extensive rehabilitation and modifications compared with those without the condition during childhood, these interventions allowed them to live typical lives in adulthood.

The overall prognosis will depend on the severity of a person’s symptoms, the joints involved, and the therapies they receive. Someone with AMC will generally have a typical life span.

AMC is not a specific medical condition. The exact cause can vary according to the subtype of AMC a baby develops. Some researchers believe the underlying causes of AMC may be genetic or hereditary. Possible causes for AMC may include:

  • obstructions to intrauterine movement during pregnancy
  • early viral i

    Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita refers to a group of rare congenital disorders characterized by multiple joint contractures present at birth. These disorders result from limitation of joint movement in utero. Intelligence may be normal or impaired depending on the underlying etiology. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment includes joint manipulation and casting and sometimes surgery.

    (See also Overview of Congenital Musculoskeletal Anomalies.)

    Arthrogryposis is not a specific diagnosis but rather a clinical finding of congenital contractures; these may be present in > different disorders. Prevalence was /, live births and perinatal mortality was % in a multinational database study (1). Based on this high risk of adverse outcomes, establishing a specific diagnosis is important for prognosis and genetic counseling.

    There are 2 major types of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), which account for ≥ 50% of patients (2):

    • Amyoplasia (classic arthrogryposis): Multiple symmetric contractures occur in the limbs. Affected muscles are hypoplastic and have fibrous and fatty degeneration. Usually intelligence is normal. Approximately 10% of patients have abdominal abnormalities (

      What Is Arthrogryposis?

      Arthrogryposis or arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a disorder characterized by the development of multiple joint contractures throughout the body during fetal development.

      A contracture occurs when a joint becomes stiff and fixed in a bent or straight position, limiting movement of that joint. Why AMC happens is not fully understood, although some arthrogryposis causes are known. Others, including genetic influences, remain under study.

      This article explains arthrogryposis, some potential causes for the disorder, and its symptoms. It will help you to understand how AMC is diagnosed and treated, as well as what to know during pregnancy.

      Is Arthrogryposis Rare?

      Arthrogryposis develops before birth (it is a congenital defect) and in the U.S., it occurs about once per every 3, to 5, live births, affecting both males and females of all ethnic backgrounds.

      More than one body part has to be affected for the disorder to be referred to as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). Clubfoot, for example, is a congenital contracture affecting only the foot. It is an isolated congenital contracture and not arthrogryposis.

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