Arthrogryposis in infancy, multidisciplinary approach: case report.
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.


METHODS
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.
Department of Rehabilitation, Medical University of Gdansk, ul, Debinki 7, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland. abinkiewicz@gumed.edu.pl.
Anna
A
Binkiewicz-Glinska
Agnieszka
A
Sobierajska-Rek
Stanislaw
S
Bakula
Jolanta
J
Wierzba
Konrad
K
Drewek
Ireneusz M
IM
Kowalski
Katarzyna
K
Zaborowska-Sapeta
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects; D001176:Arthrogryposis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000150:complications; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005311:Fetal Hypoxia / Q000150:complications; D005324:Fetal Movement; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000151:congenital / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D016104:Oligohydramnios; D009985:Orthopedics; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011247:Pregnancy; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000196:embryology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal