Twenty-year follow-up of hip problems in arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Abstract

Nineteen patients with arthrogryposis (38 hips) with significant hip problems were reviewed (13 dislocations, 9 subluxations, 16 contractures). The average follow-up was 20 years, with 15 patients reaching skeletal maturity. All patients had minimal or no pain. Thirteen of the 19 patients were community walkers. The dislocation group in general had more stiffness of the hip joint than the subluxation and the contracture groups. However, the long-term functional results were comparable among these three groups. Closed treatment always failed in treating dislocation of hips in arthrogryposis. Open reduction was successful in stabilizing the hip, but the hips were usually stiffer. However, after 20 years of follow-up, the function of the openly reduced hips was comparable with others.