management
Last reviewed 01/2018
Ideally, the management of arthrogryposis is within a specialist multidisciplinary team. The aims are to keep all contracted joints mobile but ambulation and stability are key in the lower limb while a functional position is required for the upper limb to enable feeding and peroneal hygiene.
Conservative treatment is started at birth and include manipulation of joints, stretching and splintage.
If progress is slow, surgical intervention may be required. Frequently, both upper limb and lower limb procedures are combined in one anaesthetic.
Typically, the contractures are resistant to treatment and deformity usually persists.