Congenital Multiple Arthrogryposis (AMC) is a serious disease characterized by deformities and stiffness in the joints, which prevent the baby from moving, generating intense muscle weakness. The muscle tissue is then replaced by fat and connective tissue. The disease manifests itself in the development process of the fetus, which has almost no movement in the mother's belly, which compromises the formation of its joints and normal bone growth.
“Wooden doll” is generally a term used to describe children with arthrogriposis, who despite having severe physical deformities, have normal mental development and are able to learn and understand everything that happens around them. Motor deformities are severe, and it is normal for the baby to have a poorly developed abdomen and chest, which can make breathing very difficult.
Signs and symptoms of Arthrogryposis
Often, the diagnosis is only made after birth when it is observed that the baby really cannot move, presenting:
- At least 2 immobile joints; Tense muscles; Joint dislocation; Muscle weakness; Congenital clubfoot; Scoliosis; Short or poorly developed intestine; Difficulty breathing or eating.
After birth when observing the baby and performing tests such as radiography of the entire body, and blood tests to search for genetic diseases, since Arthrogryposis can be present in several syndromes.
Prenatal diagnosis is not very easy, but it can be done through ultrasound, sometimes only at the end of pregnancy, when it is observed:
- Absence of baby movements; Abnormal position of the arms and legs, which are normally bent, although it can also be fully stretched; The baby is smaller than the desired size for gestational age; Excessive amniotic fluid; Jaw poorly developed; Flat nose; Little pulmonary development; Short umbilical cord.
When the baby does not move during the ultrasound examination, the doctor may press the woman's belly to encourage the baby to move, but it does not always happen, and the doctor may think that the baby is sleeping. The other signs may not be very clear or may not be so evident, to draw attention to this disease.
What causes
Although it is not known exactly all the causes that can lead to the development of arthrogriposis, it is known that some factors favor this disease, such as the use of medications during pregnancy, without proper medical guidance; infections, such as that caused by the Zika virus, trauma, chronic or genetic diseases, drug use and alcohol abuse.
Treatment of Arthrogryposis
Surgical treatment is the most indicated and aims to allow some movement of the joints. The sooner the surgery is performed, the better it will be and so the ideal is for knee and foot surgeries to be performed before 12 months, that is, before the child starts walking, which may allow the child to be able to walk alone.
The treatment of arthrogriposis also includes parental guidance and an intervention plan that aims to develop the child's independence, for which physiotherapy and occupational therapy are indicated. Physiotherapy should always be individualized, respecting the needs that each child presents, and should start as soon as possible, for a better psychomotor stimulus and child development.
But depending on the severity of the deformations, support equipment, such as wheelchairs, adapted material or crutches, may be needed for better support and greater freedom. Learn more about the treatment of Arthrogryposis.
