Treatment of the Upper Extremity Contracture/Deformities

J Pediatr Orthop. 2017 Jul/Aug:37 Suppl 1:S9-S15. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000001002.

Abstract

Patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita have a characteristic upper extremity resting posture consisting of internal rotation of the shoulders, elbow extension, flexed wrists, thumb-in palm deformities, and variable degrees of finger contractures. Treatment of these patients is aimed at improving independence and performance of activities of daily living. Although each area needs to be assessed independently for the most appropriate surgical procedure, often multiple areas can be addressed at the same operative setting. This limits the number of anesthetic exposures and cast immobilization time. The following is a synopsis of treatment strategies presented at the second international symposium on Arthrogryposis which took place in St Petersburg in September 2014.

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / surgery
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Arthrogryposis / surgery*
  • Arthroplasty / methods*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Contracture / surgery*
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Finger Joint / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / surgery*
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Shoulder Joint / abnormalities
  • Shoulder Joint / surgery
  • Thumb / abnormalities
  • Thumb / surgery
  • Wrist Joint / surgery

Supplementary concepts

  • Adducted Thumbs Syndrome