Arthrogryposis

Arthrogryposis
Other namesArthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC)
Drawing of an infant with arthrogryposis
SpecialtyMedical genetics

Arthrogryposis (AMC) describes congenital joint contracture in two or more areas of the body. It derives its name from Greek, literally meaning 'curving of joints' (arthron, 'joint'; grȳpōsis, late Latin form of late Greek grūpōsis, 'hooking').[1]

Children born with one or more joint contractures have abnormal fibrosis of the muscle tissue causing muscle shortening, and therefore are unable to perform active extension and flexion in the affected joint or joints.[2]

AMC has been divided into three groups: amyoplasia, distal arthrogryposis, and syndromic (is a syndrome or part of a syndrome). Amyoplasia is characterized by severe joint contractures and muscle weakness.[3] Distal arthrogryposis mainly involves the hands and feet. Types of arthrogryposis with a primary neurological or muscle disease belong to the syndromic group.[3]

  1. ^ "The Free Dictionary: Arthrogryposis". Archived from the original on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  2. ^ Kalampokas E, Kalampokas T, Sofoudis C, Deligeoroglou E, Botsis D (2012). "Diagnosing arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: a review". ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2012: 264918. doi:10.5402/2012/264918. PMC 3461621. PMID 23050160.
  3. ^ a b Bamshad M, Van Heest AE, Pleasure D (July 2009). "Arthrogryposis: a review and update". The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. 91 (Suppl 4): 40–6. doi:10.2106/JBJS.I.00281. PMC 2698792. PMID 19571066.