Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
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Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, often simply referred to as arthrogryposis (IPA pronunciation: ), is a rare disease of the musculoskeletal system. Affecting approximately 1 in 3000 births, the disease is marked by limited range of motion in one or more major joints in the human body. In the most severe cases, almost every joint in the body is affected; more typically, only a subset of joints are affected (e.g. those in the arms, or those in the hips and legs).
Arthrogryposis is typically congenital, non-hereditary, with no known specific cause. While there is no cure, treatment options include splinting of affected joints, physical therapy to improve flexion and range of motion, and surgery to help reposition severely affected joints and limbs. Those not severely afflicted typically live relatively normal lives, adapting to specific situations as required by the patient's particular symptoms.