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Pediatrics153 papers

X-linked distal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

X-linked distal arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by multiple joint contractures present at birth, often accompanied by additional congenital anomalies depending on the specific genetic mutation involved 2689.

Diagnosis

  • Key Diagnostic Criteria: Multiple joint contractures, often asymmetric, with involvement of distal extremities 47.
  • Recommended Tests: Prenatal ultrasound for early detection 4, genetic testing to identify specific mutations (e.g., SCYL2, other syndromic forms) 268.
  • Differential Diagnosis: Consider other forms of AMC, lethal arthrogryposes, and syndromes with overlapping features like Marden-Walker syndrome 9.
  • Grading: Classification systems may vary but typically include clinical presentation and genetic findings 410.
  • Management

  • First-Line Treatments: Orthotic devices (braces, casts) to maintain joint mobility and alignment 3.
  • Adjunctive Treatments: Physical therapy to improve muscle strength and joint function 3.
  • Surgical Interventions: Spinal fusion or expandable implant surgery for severe scoliosis to optimize chest growth and spinal balance 3.
  • Supportive Care: Multidisciplinary approach including orthopedic, neurology, and genetic counseling 410.
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Prenatal diagnosis via ultrasound can identify AMC early, aiding in parental counseling 4.
  • Comorbidities: Cases may present with additional issues like renal dysfunction, cholestasis, and neurological abnormalities requiring specialized care 812.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Genetic Testing for Diagnosis and Classification: Utilize genetic testing to identify specific mutations underlying X-linked distal AMC for accurate diagnosis and prognosis (Evidence: Strong 268).
  • Early Orthotic and Physical Therapy: Implement early orthotic support and physical therapy to enhance joint mobility and muscle strength (Evidence: Moderate 3).
  • Multidisciplinary Care Approach: Employ a multidisciplinary team including orthopedic specialists, geneticists, and physical therapists to manage comprehensive care needs (Evidence: Expert opinion 4).
  • References

    1 Rebello G, Joseph B. Art and Paediatric Orthopaedics: A Sixteenth Century Lie-down Comedian. Journal of pediatric orthopedics 2022. link 2 Seidahmed MZ, Al-Kindi A, Alsaif HS, Miqdad A, Alabbad N, Alfifi A et al.. Recessive mutations in SCYL2 cause a novel syndromic form of arthrogryposis in humans. Human genetics 2020. link 3 Komolkin I, Ulrich EV, Agranovich OE, van Bosse HJP. Treatment of Scoliosis Associated With Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. Journal of pediatric orthopedics 2017. link 4 Ma L, Yu X. Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: classification, diagnosis, perioperative care, and anesthesia. Frontiers of medicine 2017. link 5 Pakkasjärvi N, Ritvanen A, Herva R, Peltonen L, Kestilä M, Ignatius J. Lethal congenital contracture syndrome (LCCS) and other lethal arthrogryposes in Finland--an epidemiological study. American journal of medical genetics. Part A 2006. link 6 Rajab A, Hoffmann K, Ganesh A, Sethu AU, Mundlos S. Escobar variant with pursed mouth, creased tongue, ophthalmologic features, and scoliosis in 6 children from Oman. American journal of medical genetics. Part A 2005. link 7 Takano T, Aotani H, Takeuchi Y. Asymmetric arthrogryposis multiplex congenita with focal pachygyria. Pediatric neurology 2001. link00293-4) 8 Abdullah MA, Al-Hasnan Z, Okamoto E, Abomelha AM. Arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction and cholestasis syndrome. Saudi medical journal 2000. link 9 Fryns JP, Willekens D, Van Schoubroeck D, Moerman P. Marden-Walker syndrome versus isolated distal arthrogryposis: evidence that both conditions may be variable manifestations of the same mutated gene. Clinical genetics 1998. link 10 Hall JG. Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: etiology, genetics, classification, diagnostic approach, and general aspects. Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B 1997. link 11 Anderson T. Earliest evidence for arthrogryposis multiplex congenita or Larsen syndrome?. American journal of medical genetics 1997. link 12 Horslen SP, Quarrell OW, Tanner MS. Liver histology in the arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, renal dysfunction, and cholestasis (ARC) syndrome: report of three new cases and review. Journal of medical genetics 1994. link 13 Horoupian DS, Yoon JJ. Neuropathic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and intrauterine ischemia of anterior horn cells: a hypothesis. Clinical neuropathology 1988. link 14 Livingstone IR, Sack GH. Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita occurring with maternal multiple sclerosis. Archives of neurology 1984. link 15 Baraitser M, Burn J, Fixsen J. A recessively inherited windmill-vane camptodactyly/ichthyosis syndrome. Journal of medical genetics 1983. link 16 Grant AD, Rose D, Lehman W. Talocalcaneal coalition in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Bulletin of the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute 1982. link 17 Brown LM, Robson MJ, Sharrard WJ. The pathophysiology of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita neurologica. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume 1980. link 18 Casey PA, Ger E. Abnormal dermatoglyphics in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. The Hand 1979. link80006-6) 19 Smokler J, Rappaport SC. Mouthstick prosthesis for a patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. The Journal of prosthetic dentistry 1979. link90223-3) 20 Drachman DB. The syndrome of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Birth defects original article series 1971. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Art and Paediatric Orthopaedics: A Sixteenth Century Lie-down Comedian.Rebello G, Joseph B Journal of pediatric orthopedics (2022)
    2. [2]
      Recessive mutations in SCYL2 cause a novel syndromic form of arthrogryposis in humans.Seidahmed MZ, Al-Kindi A, Alsaif HS, Miqdad A, Alabbad N, Alfifi A et al. Human genetics (2020)
    3. [3]
      Treatment of Scoliosis Associated With Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita.Komolkin I, Ulrich EV, Agranovich OE, van Bosse HJP Journal of pediatric orthopedics (2017)
    4. [4]
    5. [5]
      Lethal congenital contracture syndrome (LCCS) and other lethal arthrogryposes in Finland--an epidemiological study.Pakkasjärvi N, Ritvanen A, Herva R, Peltonen L, Kestilä M, Ignatius J American journal of medical genetics. Part A (2006)
    6. [6]
      Escobar variant with pursed mouth, creased tongue, ophthalmologic features, and scoliosis in 6 children from Oman.Rajab A, Hoffmann K, Ganesh A, Sethu AU, Mundlos S American journal of medical genetics. Part A (2005)
    7. [7]
      Asymmetric arthrogryposis multiplex congenita with focal pachygyria.Takano T, Aotani H, Takeuchi Y Pediatric neurology (2001)
    8. [8]
      Arthrogryposis, renal dysfunction and cholestasis syndrome.Abdullah MA, Al-Hasnan Z, Okamoto E, Abomelha AM Saudi medical journal (2000)
    9. [9]
    10. [10]
    11. [11]
      Earliest evidence for arthrogryposis multiplex congenita or Larsen syndrome?Anderson T American journal of medical genetics (1997)
    12. [12]
    13. [13]
    14. [14]
      Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita occurring with maternal multiple sclerosis.Livingstone IR, Sack GH Archives of neurology (1984)
    15. [15]
      A recessively inherited windmill-vane camptodactyly/ichthyosis syndrome.Baraitser M, Burn J, Fixsen J Journal of medical genetics (1983)
    16. [16]
      Talocalcaneal coalition in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.Grant AD, Rose D, Lehman W Bulletin of the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopaedic Institute (1982)
    17. [17]
      The pathophysiology of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita neurologica.Brown LM, Robson MJ, Sharrard WJ The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume (1980)
    18. [18]
    19. [19]
      Mouthstick prosthesis for a patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.Smokler J, Rappaport SC The Journal of prosthetic dentistry (1979)
    20. [20]
      The syndrome of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.Drachman DB Birth defects original article series (1971)

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