Home > Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders > Distal arthrogryposis syndrome

Definition

Distal arthrogryposis syndrome is a rare genetic disorder in which affected individuals are born with a characteristic bending at the joints of the hands and feet. A contracture is the word used to describe what happens at the joints to cause this bending. In addition to contractures of the hand and feet, individuals with distal arthrogryposis are born with a tightly clenched fist and overlapping fingers.

Description

The word arthrogryposis means a flexed (bent) or curved joint. Distal means the furthest from any one point of reference or something that is remote. Therefore, distal arthrogryposis syndrome causes the joints at the most remote parts of our limbs, the hands and feet, to be flexed.

Consistent fetal movement during pregnancy is necessary for the development of...