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Recognizing and Honoring June 30th as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia
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WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a term used to describe a group of congenital conditions characterized by joint contractures in two or more areas of the body. Individuals with AMC have limited joint movement, with or without muscle weakness, in the involved body areas. Contractures vary in distribution and severity, do not progress to previously unaffected joints, but may change over time due to growth and treatment; and
WHEREAS, Spinal deformities may be present at birth or develop throughout childhood and adolescence. Depending on the underlying diagnosis, other body systems such as the respiratory, gastro-intestinal, genito-urinary and central nervous system may be affected. Cognition may be affected if the central nervous system is involved; sensation is usually intact. The impact on mobility, activities of daily living and participation is variable. 1 out of every 3,000 infants have arthrogryposis; and
WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis is an umbrella diagnosis, meaning that it is part of many other conditions and syndromes. While the precise cause may be unknown for some individuals, causes are variable and may include genetic, parental and environmental factors, as well as abnormalities during fetal development. These conditions and syndromes are referred to as the type of arthrogryposis; and
WHEREAS, Currently, there are over 500 identified types of AMC. Amyoplasia, Distal and Escobar Syndrome are the more common types. However, some individuals never have their type of AMC identified; and
WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis is not a newly identified condition. Literary evidence of arthrogryposis dates back as early as the 12th century. A 1642 painting by Jusepe de Ribera, now located in the Louvre, portrays a beggar believed to have a form of AMC, though the specific
type is still debated among experts. Adolph Otto official...
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