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Case Reports
. 2013 Nov 11:13:184.
doi: 10.1186/1471-2431-13-184.

Arthrogryposis in infancy, multidisciplinary approach: case report

Anna Binkiewicz-Glinska  1 , Agnieszka Sobierajska-Rek, Stanislaw Bakula, Jolanta Wierzba, Konrad Drewek, Ireneusz M Kowalski, Katarzyna Zaborowska-Sapeta
Affiliations
Case Reports

Arthrogryposis in infancy, multidisciplinary approach: case report

Anna Binkiewicz-Glinska et al. BMC Pediatr. .

Abstract

Background: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is an etiopathogenetically heterogeneous disorder characterised by non-progressive multiple intra-articular contractures, which can be recognised at birth. The frequency is estimated at 1 in 3,000 newborns. Etiopathogenesis of arthrogryposis is multifactorial.

Case presentation: We report first 26 weeks of life of a boy with severe arthrogryposis. Owing to the integrated rehabilitation approach and orthopaedic treatment a visible improvement in the range of motion as well as the functionality of the child was achieved. This article proposes a cooperation of various specialists: paediatrician, orthopaedist, specialist of medical rehabilitation and physiotherapist.

Conclusions: Rehabilitation of a child with arthrogryposis should be early, comprehensive and multidisciplinary. Corrective treatment of knee and hip joints in infants with arthrogryposis should be preceded by the ultrasound control. There are no reports in the literature on the ultrasound imaging techniques which can be used prior to the planned orthopaedic and rehabilitative treatment in infants with arthrogryposis. The experience of our team indicates that such an approach allows to minimise the diagnostic errors and to maintain an effective treatment without the risk of joint destabilisation.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The first day of life.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The third day of life – the whole figure – noticeable free thumbs and apparent dislocation on the left knee-joint.
Figure 3
Figure 3
X-rays of the lower limbs taken at the age of 10 days.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Lower limbs at the age of 14 weeks. Panel A: Front view. Panel B: Right side view.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Manipulative casts – Improvement of knee flexion with bar improving external rotation in the hip joints, the first attempt to correct the foot by Ponseti – age 20 weeks.
Figure 6
Figure 6
The improvement in the external rotation of the hip joints – age 20 weeks.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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