Arthrogryposis, is also known as Arthrogryposis Muliplex Congenita or
AMC.
There are over 400 different types of Arthrogryposis, with differing signs,
symptoms and causes.
In some cases, few joints may be affected and may have a nearly full
range of motion. In the most common type of Arthrogryposis, hands,
wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, feet and knees are affected. In the
most severe types, nearly every joint is involved, including the jaw and
back. Arthrogryposis is
relatively
rare, occurring in approximately one in 3,000 births. Mikaela being just arms makes her one in 200,000 births. And in Mikaela's case, it was ruled out as non-genetic.
The word is broken up in Latin, literally means
"Curved Joint Disease"
Arthro - Joints
Gryp - Curved
Osis -
Diseased or Abnormal Condition
AMC is broken up like so:
Arthrogryposis
- Curved Joint Disease
Multiplex - Multiple Parts
Congenita -
Evident at Birth
It is a non-progressive disease.
Here is a list of resources you can check out to
find out more about Arthrogryposis:
Websites:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthrogryposis
www.amcsupport.org
www.avenuesforamc.com
And where it all began for Melanie, when she came across a website about a little girl named Abby.
www.forabby.com
Books:
Arthrogryposis:
A Text Atlas
Here is a website where you can download this book
for free as a PDF:
Arthrogryposis:
A Text Atlas (PDF)
