Arthrogryposis: Characteristics and Lifespan Expectation
Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a condition characterized by multiple joint contractures present at birth, is relatively rare, affecting fewer than 50,000 people in the United States, or about 1 in 3,000 live births.
While the exact cause of AMC remains a mystery, some researchers suggest it may be genetic or hereditary. The condition can be caused by various underlying factors, including obstructions to intrauterine movement during pregnancy, early viral infection during a baby's development, or issues with the central nervous system or muscular system.
Treatment for AMC is typically multidisciplinary and focuses on improving joint mobility and muscle strength. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in maintaining and increasing range of motion in stiff or contracted joints. It involves stretching exercises, splinting, and strengthening activities designed to improve muscle function around the affected joints and prevent further contractures. For infants and children, the use of splints or orthotic devices like baby hand splints can help gradually open stiff joints, improving functional mobility and hand use.
Surgical treatments aim to correct joint deformities such as clubfeet or dislocated hips that are common complications in AMC. Surgery helps realign joints and improve their functionality, facilitating better movement and strengthening opportunities postoperatively.
Together, these treatments work to enhance joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall quality of life by addressing the musculoskeletal limitations caused by AMC. The management plan often includes physiotherapists, orthopedic surgeons, and occupational therapists to optimize outcomes.
It's important to note that AMC is not a progressive disorder, meaning it will not worsen over time. With proper care and treatment, a person with AMC can live a typical life span. Diagnosis of AMC typically occurs early in a baby's life, based on the identification of characteristic symptoms, a detailed patient and parent medical history review, and a clinical evaluation of the baby.
AMC can be associated with other symptoms such as clubfeet, dislocated hips, facial asymmetry, facial birthmarks, internally rotated shoulders and limbs, intestinal, kidney, bladder, and genital problems, muscle absence or atrophy, respiratory problems, scoliosis, an atypically curved spine, webbed skin, dimpled skin, or both. However, with the help of doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, and other medical team members, people diagnosed with AMC can lead typical lives.
The overall prognosis for someone with AMC will depend on the severity of their symptoms, the joints involved, and the therapies they receive. With ongoing care and treatment, many individuals with AMC can lead active, fulfilling lives.
- In the course of treatment for Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), pain management could be a significant aspect, as improved joint mobility and muscle strength might alleviate pain in other joints (otherjointpain).
- Parenthood can bring unique challenges when a child is diagnosed with AMC, but with proper care and medical-conditions management, people with AMC can lead typical lives, which includes focusing on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and neurological-disorders prevention.
- Although AMC is not a progressive disorder, associated medical-conditions like internal organ problems, respiratory issues, scoliosis, or webbed skin (facial birthmarks, internally rotated shoulders and limbs, muscle absence or atrophy, intestinal, kidney, bladder, and genital problems) demand continuous attention from healthcare professionals and regular health check-ups.
- As the field of science advances, further research could uncover the exact cause of AMC, leading to new treatments and potentially helping prevent its occurrence in future generations (genetic or hereditary factors).
