The elbow in arthrogryposis.

Over 100 cases of arthrogryposis have been seen at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne in the past fifteen years and most of the patients are still under our care. This condition, which is characterised by multiple rigid joint deformities, occurs in families with an impeccable genetic background and there is no evidence of hereditary causation. The infants are born to young and older mothers alike. Extrinsic factors seem to play no part. The extent of affection varies from one or two joints to almost total involvement. Even the joints of the spine and the mandible may be implicated. Occasionally there is associated webbing or dislocation of involved joints, and spina bifida cystica may also be present. The nature of the affliction is not well understood but it is essential to appreciate the pathology in order to plan a logical scheme of treatment.