Interbrachial Pinch by Trapezius Transfer in Amyoplasia Congenita: A Case Report

Amyoplasia congenita, or "classic distal arthrogryposis," is the most common disorder among the congenital, non-progressive, multiple joint contractural conditions named arthrogryposis. The cause remains unknown, and it occurs sporadically. Abnormal neurological examination indicates that movement in utero was diminished as a result of an abnormality of the central or peripheral nervous system, the motor end plate, or muscle. The absence of central neural pathology indicates the origin in akinetic fetal condition. Three weeks are enough to cause muscle weakness and joint fibrosis. Joint contractures in amyoplasia are often rigid and refractory to nonoperative treatment such as passive stretching. Surgery is focused on each patient's need respecting adaptive maneuvers to accomplish daily tasks. We present a case in which pectoral major muscle had no strength for pinching; a trapezius muscle transfer was planned to obtain an interbrachial pinch useful for grasping.