Definition of Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC)
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC): A disorder that
develops before birth (prenatal), is present at birth
(congenital), and is characterized by reduced mobility of many
(multiple) joints. In AMC the range of motion of the joints in
the arms and legs is usually limited or fixed. Joints affected
may include the shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers and the
hips, knees, ankles, and feet -- virtually any and all joints.
The impairment of joint mobility is often accompanied by
overgrowth (proliferation) of fibrous tissue in the joints
(fibrous ankylosis). AMC was once thought to be a single
disease. It is clearly many. The mechanisms responsible for AMC
are presumed to be the same as for all arthrogryposis,
irrespective of the number of joints involved: Arthrogryposis
means crooking of the joint. It comes from the Greek "arthro-",
joint + "gryposis ", crooking. Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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