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Living with Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

A physical finding in which several joints are stiff and fixed in position at birth, with many possible causes.

Understanding Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a physical finding in which two or more areas of the body have joints fixed in a bent or straight position from before birth.

These joint contractures can limit movement and may lead to muscle wasting. AMC is not one specific diagnosis. It can go along with many different medical conditions. GARD says it is suspected to relate to less fetal movement before birth.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition, but its summary describes the main feature:

  • Joints fixed in a bent or straight position (contractures)
  • Joint contractures in two or more areas of the body
  • Limited joint movement
  • Muscle wasting in some people

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include bone and joint specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc. may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc.
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support Inc.
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What underlying condition may be causing the contractures?
Would genetic testing help find a cause?
Which therapies and specialists can help with joint movement?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant, Autosomal Recessive, X-Linked

GARD says it may relate to less fetal movement, which can have many causes, including environmental factors (like maternal illness or limited space), single gene changes, chromosome differences, and various syndromes.

Genetic

Also known as: amc; amc - arthrogryposis multiplex congenita; arthrogryposis multiplex; arthrogryposis, congenital; arthromyodysplasia congenita; congenital arthromyodysplasia

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Arthrogryposis multiplex congenitaGARD ID 777 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

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