Arthrogyposis

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

1. Neurological defect
2. Myopathic defect
3. Abnormal intrauterine posture

Question 2

Steps in examination for Arthrogyposis

Answer 2

1. Look
   a) Posture: UL - extended, pronated, flexed wrist and fingers
   b) Face - ? Myopathic
2. Demonstrate: Fixed contracture deformity of joints
   • Look for scar due to muscle Bx and correction of deformity
3. Neurological examination:
   • Look for fasiculation, upgoing planter reflex etc

Remarks:
• Decerebrate posture - due to midbrain lesion -
• • extended neck –> extension of UL & LLs

• Decorticate posture: due to lesion above midbrain
• • extend neck –> flexion of ULs, extension of LLs
• • Head turns to left –> extension of left UL, flexion of right UL and extension of LLs