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Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita

Abstract

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NORD is very grateful to 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.

Synonyms of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita

AMC
arthrogryposis

Disorder Subdivisions

amyoplasia
distal arthrogryposis

General Discussion

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. In most cases, affected infants have contractures of various joints. The joints of the legs and arms are usually affected, the legs are affected more often than the arms. The joints of the shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, ankles, fingers, toes, and/or hips are also commonly affected. In addition, the jaws and back may also be affected in individuals with AMC. In most cases, AMC occurs randomly, for no apparent reason (sporadic). More than 400 different conditions can cause isolated or multiple contractures and the causes, genetics, specific symptoms, and severity of these disorders vary dramatically. Over 125 genes have been identified as responsible for different types of arthrogryposis.

Organizations related to Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita

Arthrogryposis Group
- PO Box 1199
- Spalding
- Lincolnshire, PE11 9EY United Kingdom
- Phone #: N/A
- 800 #: 800-028-4447
- e-mail: info@taguk.org.uk
- Home page: http://www.tagonline.org.uk
Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc.
- PO Box 1883
- Salyersville, KY 41465
- Phone #: N/A
- 800 #: N/A
- e-mail: bod@amcsupport.org
- Home page: http://www.amcsupport.org/
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Phone #: 301-251-4925
- 800 #: 888-205-2311
- e-mail: N/A
- Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Madisons Foundation
- PO Box 241956
- Los Angeles, CA 90024
- Phone #: 310-264-0826
- 800 #: N/A
- e-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
- Home page: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation
- 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
- White Plains, NY 10605
- Phone #: 914-997-4488
- 800 #: 888-663-4637
- e-mail: Askus@marchofdimes.com
- Home page: http://www.marchofdimes.com
MUMS National Parent-to-Parent Network
- 150 Custer Court
- Green Bay, WI 54301-1243 USA
- Phone #: N/A
- 800 #: N/A
- e-mail: mums@netnet.net
- Home page: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Information Clearinghouse
- One AMS Circle
- Bethesda, MD 20892-3675 USA
- Phone #: 301-495-4484
- 800 #: 877-226-4267
- e-mail: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
- Home page: http://www.niams.nih.gov/

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