Overview
Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a rare inherited condition that affects the muscles and joints. The term 'arthrogryposis multiplex congenita' (often shortened to AMC) refers to a group of conditions where a baby is born with stiff, curved joints (called contractures) in two or more areas of the body. In this specific form, the joint problems are caused by abnormal development or function of the muscles (which is what 'myogenic' means). Because the muscles do not work properly during pregnancy, the baby does not move enough in the womb, and the joints become fixed in unusual positions. Babies with this condition are typically born with multiple joint contractures that can affect the arms, legs, hands, feet, and sometimes the spine. Muscle weakness is a core feature, and the severity can vary widely from person to person. Some children may have difficulty breathing if the muscles involved in breathing are affected. Feeding difficulties may also occur in the newborn period. There is currently no cure for this condition. Treatment focuses on improving joint movement and function through physical therapy, occupational therapy, serial casting, and sometimes surgery to release tight joints. Early and consistent therapy can make a meaningful difference in a child's mobility and independence. A team of specialists typically works together to manage the various aspects of this condition.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Stiff or locked joints at birth (joint contractures)Muscle weaknessReduced movement of arms and legsCurved or bent fingers and handsClubfoot or other foot deformitiesThin or underdeveloped musclesDifficulty feeding as a newbornBreathing difficulties in severe casesLimited range of motion in multiple jointsDecreased fetal movement during pregnancyHip dislocationScoliosis or spinal curvatureDifficulty with fine motor skills
Clinical phenotype terms (30)— hover any for plain English
Autosomal recessive
Passed on when both parents carry the same gene change; often skips generations
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
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Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What is the specific genetic cause of my child's condition, and has genetic testing been completed?,How severe is the muscle involvement, and are the breathing muscles affected?,What therapies should we start right away, and how often should they occur?,Will my child need surgery, and if so, when is the best time?,What is the long-term outlook for my child's mobility and independence?,Are there clinical trials or research studies we should know about?,What is the chance of having another child with this condition, and is prenatal testing available?
Common questions about Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
What is Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita?
Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a rare inherited condition that affects the muscles and joints. The term 'arthrogryposis multiplex congenita' (often shortened to AMC) refers to a group of conditions where a baby is born with stiff, curved joints (called contractures) in two or more areas of the body. In this specific form, the joint problems are caused by abnormal development or function of the muscles (which is what 'myogenic' means). Because the muscles do not work properly during pregnancy, the baby does not move enough in the womb, and the joints become f
How is Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita inherited?
Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita follows a autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita typically begin?
Typical onset of Autosomal recessive myogenic arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.