Sonographic diagnosis of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita or congenital joint contractures may result from any process that constricts intrauterine fetal movement. In this case report, the joint contractures were determined to be the result of amyoplasia congenita, or absence of muscle formation. Because arthrogryposis has no specific etiology, complete ultrasonic surveillance of fetal anatomy and the uterine cavity is required. In addition, because arthrogryposis is associated with genetic disorders, the patient should be offered the option of genetic counseling and genetic amniocentesis.