The hip in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Congenital Disorders

Background:

• Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) commonly involves hip deformities.
• Hip involvement occurs in up to 80% of AMC patients.
• Deformities include contracture and/or dislocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline management strategies for hip deformities in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
• To differentiate treatment approaches for hip contracture versus dislocation.
• To emphasize the importance of addressing unilateral hip dislocations.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and treatment outcomes for hip deformities in AMC.
• Analysis of conservative (manipulation, splinting) versus operative interventions.
• Evaluation of surgical techniques, including open reduction.

Main Results:

• Isolated hip contractures often respond to conservative management.
• Hip dislocations occur with equal frequency bilaterally and unilaterally.
• Bilateral hip dislocations are best managed by treating contractures only.
• Unilateral hip dislocations necessitate aggressive treatment, primarily open reduction.

Conclusions:

• Management of hip deformities in AMC requires tailored approaches based on contracture and dislocation.
• Prompt and aggressive treatment of unilateral hip dislocations is crucial.
• Untreated unilateral dislocations can lead to pelvic obliquity and scoliosis.
• Open reduction is the standard for unilateral hip dislocations in AMC.