Introduction:

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a disorder characterized by non-progressive joint contractures. It has an estimated prevalence of 1 in every 3 000-5 000 live births, with the same male-to-female ratio.

Case presentation:

This is the case of a male newborn with adequate prenatal care checkup appointments, who presented with a congenital deformity of the lower limbs. On physical examination, he had hyperextension of the knees (passive flexion of 20° in the left leg and 30° in the right leg), and painful active movement. On admission, peripheral pulses had good intensity, and adequate distal perfusion was found. Barlow and Ortolani maneuvers were negative, and no midline lesions were observed in the spine. The patient was diagnosed with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and received multidisciplinary treatment to avoid early morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion:

To attain satisfactory clinical development in patients with arthrogryposis, it is essential to have a high level of antenatal suspicion, as well as appropriate prenatal checkups. All this allows for proper management, minimizing diagnostic errors, avoiding unnecessary procedures, and performing effective and timely treatment with outstanding results.

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