The knee in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

The functional, radiological, and ambulatory status of 30 patients (58 knees) with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) were analyzed after a follow-up of 1-36 years. The muscular imbalance presented in many of these patients corresponded well to the type of deformity. The primary treatment was nonoperative in most cases. In spite of the initial promising results, a significant number of patients underwent operation for residual symptoms. Treatment of flexion contractures seems to be more discouraging than the treatment of extension contractures. On the other hand, the risk for degenerative arthritis seemed to be elevated, especially in the extension-contracture group.