Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Midface Hypoplasia and Cranial Base Morphology in Syndromic Craniosynostosis: A Comparative Analysis Study Using a Predictive Regression Model
Published on: November 4, 2025
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Long-term follow-up from birth until skeletal maturity
Alice Fassier1, Philippe Wicart, Jean Dubousset
1Université de Lyon, Faculté Laennec, Hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant, 59, Boulevard Pinel, 69677, Bron Cedex, France, alice.fassier@chu-lyon.fr.
Insights
Children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (amyoplasia) can achieve independent walking, even with severe initial limb involvement. Early intervention is key for improving long-term ambulatory outcomes in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (amyoplasia) presents with severe limb contractures at birth.
- Long-term functional outcomes, particularly ambulation, require further investigation.
- Understanding predictors of ambulation is crucial for early intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the long-term effects of treatment in children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (amyoplasia).
- To assess factors influencing walking ability and independence from birth to skeletal maturity.
- To establish prognostic indicators for ambulation in severe arthrogryposis cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 11 children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (amyoplasia).
- Evaluation of walking ability, age of first steps, need for assistive devices, and muscle strength.
- Follow-up from birth until skeletal maturity.
Main Results:
- Nine out of eleven patients achieved ambulation with minimal joint contractures (hips <20°, knees <15°).
- Six patients became independent walkers before 2.5 years of age.
- Two non-ambulators developed severe scoliosis requiring spinal fusion.
Conclusions:
- Long-term ambulatory status is not solely predicted by initial disease severity.
- Prognosis for ambulation can be determined before 2.5 years of age.
- Early, aggressive management is recommended for children with severe arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (amyoplasia).
Purpose:
The aim of this retrospective long-term study was to review and present the effects of treatment for 11 children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, or amyoplasia, followed from birth until skeletal maturity.
Methods:
We evaluated walking ability, age of beginning to walk, required ambulatory devices, age of independent walking and muscle strength.
Results:
Our series showed babies with severe limb involvements without spine abnormalities. Despite the initial severity of involvement, nine patients finally became ambulators with flexion contracture of less than 20 degrees on hips and 15 degrees on knees, and six were independent walkers before the age of 2.5 years. The two non-ambulators presented severe scoliosis at skeletal maturity, which needed spinal fusion.
Conclusion:
We conclude that long-term ambulatory status at skeletal maturity is not correlated with the severity of condition at birth. A prognosis for ambulation at skeletal maturity will be done before 2.5 years of age. We believe that early aggressive management of children with severe arthrogryposis is warranted and justified.
Related Concept Videos
01:09Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
01:07Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
01:29Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification
The process begins when mesenchymal cells in the embryonic skeleton gather together and differentiate into osteogenic cells, which then develop into...
01:20Introduction to the Skeletal System
Components of the Skeletal System
Bone, or osseous tissue, is a hard connective tissue that forms an internal support structure for the human body. Bones shield vulnerable organs and soft tissue from external forces. For example, the vertebral bones protect and support the spinal cord.
Cartilage, a semi-rigid connective tissue found in regions such as...
01:24Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification
01:22Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...