Multiple congenital arthrogryposis (AMC) is a serious disease characterized by deformities and stiffness in the joints, which prevent the baby from moving around generating intense muscle weakness. Muscle tissue then becomes replaced by fat and connective tissue. The disease manifests itself in the process of developing the fetus, which presents almost no movement in the mother's belly, which compromises the formation of her joints and normal bone growth.
"Wood doll" is usually a term used to describe children with arthrogryposis 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 poorly developed abdomen and thorax, which can make breathing difficult.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthrogryposis
Often, the diagnosis is made only after birth when it is observed that the baby really can not move, presenting:
- At least 2 immobile joints;
- Tight muscles;
- Dislocation in joints;
- Muscle weakness;
- Congenital crooked foot;
- Scoliosis;
- Short or poorly developed intestine;
- Difficulty breathing or eating.
After birth when observing the baby and perform examinations such as whole body radiography, and blood test to look for genetic diseases, since arthrogryposis may be present in several syndromes.
Prenatal diagnosis is not very easy, but it can be done by ultrasonography, sometimes only at the end of gestation, 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;
- Excess of amniotic fluid;
- Undeveloped maxillary;
- Flat nose;
- Little pulmonary development;
- Short umbilical cord.
When the baby does not move during the ultrasound examination the doctor can press the woman's belly to stimulate the baby to move, but it does not always happen, and the doctor may think the baby is asleep. The other signs may not be very clear or are not so obvious, to draw attention to this disease.
What causes
Although it is not known exactly all the causes that can lead to the development of arthrogryposis, it is known that some factors favor this disease, like use of medications during pregnancy, without proper medical guidance; infections such as that caused by Zika virus, traumas, chronic diseases or genetics, drug use and alcohol abuse.
Treatment of Arthrogryposis
The surgical treatment is the most indicated and aims to allow some movement of the joints. The sooner the surgery is done, the better it will be and therefore it is ideal that knee and foot surgeries be performed before 12 months, ie before the child starts walking, which may allow the child to be able to walk alone .
The treatment of arthrogryposis still includes parental guidance and an intervention plan that aims to develop the child's independence, for which physical therapy 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 stimulation and child development.
But depending on the severity of the deformations, support equipment such as wheelchairs, adapted equipment or crutches may be needed for better support and greater freedom. Learn more about the treatment of Arthrogryposis.
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