- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Arthrogryposis
Also called: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital, AMC
Arthrogryposis (ar-throw-grih-POE-sis) is a congenital (present at birth) condition of the joints and muscles. It affects a child's ability to use joints such as shoulders, wrists, fingers, and lower extremities.
More to Know
Arthrogryposis refers to a group of disorders that cause stiffness or loss of motion in multiple joints. There are many variations of the disease, some mild and some severe. In mild cases, only a few joints may be affected, and a child may have nearly full range of motion. In extreme cases, nearly every joint is affected, including those of the jaw and back.
The joint stiffness that happens with arthrogryposis is called contracture (kun-TRAK-cher). It means the joint can't move the way it should. Joints may stay straight and not bend, or they may stay bent and a child can't straighten them.
Some contractures are mild. Others can be severe. Children may have trouble moving, poor growth, weak muscles, orvery thin or bony-looking arms and legs.
Treatment started early in life can improve the condition. This typically involves splinting, bracing, occupational therapy and physical therapy, and orthopedic surgery to help maintain and maximize range of motion and function.
Keep in Mind
There's no cure for most forms of arthrogryposis, but with proper treatment and therapy, most kids can greattly improve their range of motion and muscle strength and function. This can help them do everyday activities and lead fairly normal lives.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.