Rehabilitation of an adult patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita treated with an external fixator.

Arthrogryposis is a term used to describe the presence of multiple joint contractures that are present at birth. Reports that describe the experience of a rehabilitation program for adult patients with arthrogryposis are rare. We describe the treatment of an adult patient who had not received previous surgery or rehabilitation. At home, she walked on her knees and elsewhere used a wheelchair. She was submitted to surgery and Ilizarov external fixator to correct the deformities, followed by intensive rehabilitation to permit upright standing and walking with assistive devices. After 4 mos, the patient was able to walk average distances in different types of terrain with a reciprocating walker and Canadian crutches. This report aims to emphasize the good result of interdisciplinary care of a previously untreated adult patient with arthrogryposis.