[Arthrogryposis: clinical manifestations and management]

K Ayadi1, M Trigui1, A Abid1

  • 1Service de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique, CHU Habib-Bourguiba, 3029 Sfax, Tunisie; Faculté de médecine de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisie.

Insights

Arthrogryposis presents with diverse joint stiffness at birth, impacting limbs differently. Treatment success varies, highlighting the need for early, ongoing multidisciplinary care for optimal patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Clinical Genetics

Context:

  • Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a congenital condition characterized by multiple joint contractures.
  • Its etiology is diverse, leading to varied clinical presentations and functional prognoses.
  • Understanding these variations is crucial for tailoring effective therapeutic strategies.

Purpose:

  • To describe the clinical manifestations of arthrogryposis in a pediatric cohort.
  • To review the therapeutic interventions employed for different affected joints.
  • To evaluate the functional outcomes associated with various treatments.

Summary:

  • A retrospective study of 23 arthrogryposis patients (mean age 6.6 years) revealed limb involvement in most cases.
  • Foot deformities (25 clubfeet) were common, treated with Ponseti method or surgery; knee deformities (16 flessum, 8 flexion restriction) and hip dislocations (16) were also prevalent.
  • Upper limb involvement (shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers) showed better response to physical therapy and orthotics.

Impact:

  • This study underscores the heterogeneity of arthrogryposis presentations and treatment responses.
  • It emphasizes that successful management requires early, continuous, and multidisciplinary care.
  • Optimizing patient autonomy and social integration is the ultimate goal of comprehensive management.
Abstract

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