NORD gratefully acknowledges Judith G. Hall, OC, MD, FCAHS, FRSC, Professor Emerita of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia & Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Department of Pediatrics
NORD gratefully acknowledges Judith G. Hall, OC, MD, FCAHS, FRSC, Professor Emerita of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia & Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, Department of Pediatrics, BC's Children's Hospital, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Arthrogryposis is a general or descriptive term for the development of nonprogressive contractures affecting one or more areas of the body prior to birth (congenitally). A contracture is a condition in which a joint becomes permanently fixed in a bent (flexed) or straightened (extended) position, completely or partially restricting the movement of the affected joint. When congenital contractures occur only in one body area, it is not referred to as arthrogryposis but rather an isolated congenital contracture. The most common form of an isolated congenital contracture is clubfoot. When arthrogryposis affects two or more different areas of the body, it may be referred to as arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). The most common form of AMC is amyoplasia. Arthrogryposis and arthrogryposis multiplex congenita are sometimes used interchangeably.
The symptoms of AMC are present at birth (congenital). However, specific symptoms and physical findings can differ greatly in range and severity from one person to another, even within a family. In most cases, affected infants have contractures of various joints. The joints of the