ABSTRACT
Patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita have a characteristic upper extremity resting posture consisting of internal rotation of the shoulders, elbow extension, flexed wrists, thumb-in palm deformities, and variable degrees of finger contractures. Treatment of these patients is aimed at improving independence and performance of activities of daily living. Although each area needs to be assessed independently for the most appropriate surgical procedure, often multiple areas can be addressed at the same operative setting. This limits the number of anesthetic exposures and cast immobilization time. The following is a synopsis of treatment strategies presented at the second international symposium on Arthrogryposis which took place in St Petersburg in September 2014.
Subject(s)
Arthrogryposis/surgery , Arthroplasty/methods , Contracture/surgery , Muscle, Skeletal/surgery , Abnormalities, Multiple/surgery , Activities of Daily Living , Child, Preschool , Elbow Joint/surgery , Finger Joint/surgery , Humans , Infant , Male , Range of Motion, Articular , Shoulder Joint/abnormalities , Shoulder Joint/surgery , Thumb/abnormalities , Thumb/surgery , Wrist Joint/surgeryABSTRACT
Lower extremity deformities of patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita present a wide spectrum of severity and deformity combinations. Treatment goals range from merely ensuring comfortable seating and shoe wear, to fully independent and active ambulation, but the overarching intention is to help realize the patient's greatest potential for independence and function. Treatment of hip and knee contractures and dislocations has become more interventional, whereas treatment of foot deformities has paradoxically become much less surgical. This article synopsizes the treatment strategies presented in September 2014 in Saint Petersburg, Russia at the second international symposium on arthrogryposis.
