Congenital Contractures: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Congenital Contractures?
A pediatrician usually makes the first diagnosis and coordinates care. Most children also see an orthopedic specialist, and some see a geneticist. Physical and occupational therapists are often part of the team. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are congenital contractures?
Congenital contractures are joints that a baby is born with and cannot move through their full range of motion. The medical name for this condition is arthrogryposis, which means curved or crooked joints. It happens in about 1 out of every 3,000 babies. It can affect one joint or many joints in the body.
What it is
A contracture is a joint stuck in one position because the muscles and tendons around it are tight or short. When a baby cannot move a joint for weeks before birth, the tissue around it stiffens.
Symptoms
The main sign is a joint that will not straighten or bend normally. Other signs include thin muscles, skin dimples over the stiff joint, and a small jaw. The stiffness does not usually hurt.
Causes and who gets it
Congenital contractures happen when a baby cannot move normally during pregnancy. Causes include problems with the muscles, nerves, or connective tissue, genetic changes, too little room in the womb, and some infections or medicines taken during pregnancy.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors often spot contractures during a physical exam right after birth. To find the cause, they may order an ultrasound, an MRI, or genetic testing, and check the heart, kidneys, or nerves.
Treatment
Treatment usually starts soon after birth, when tissues are easiest to stretch. Most children begin with gentle stretching, splints, and help from a physical therapist. If that is not enough, surgery can loosen tight tissue. Many children gain useful movement.
When to see a doctor
Parents should talk to a doctor if a newborn has a joint that seems stuck, or if an older baby cannot move an arm or leg normally. Early care gives the best chance to build strength and movement.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance; a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine a baby with stiff joints and order tests, referring severe cases to a specialist.
Common questions
Can congenital contractures be cured?
There is no single cure. Many children improve a great deal with stretching, splints, and sometimes surgery. How much movement a child gains depends on the cause and which joints are involved.
Will my child be able to walk?
Many children with arthrogryposis do learn to walk, especially with early therapy. Each child is different. Doctors look at the specific joints involved before making predictions.
Does it happen again in future pregnancies?
It depends on the cause. Some inherited forms carry a real chance of happening again. Genetic testing can help families understand their situation. Genetic counseling, which is a meeting with a specialist who explains inheritance risks, can also help.
Is the condition painful?
The stiff joints themselves usually do not hurt in babies. Discomfort can appear later if tight tissue pulls on joints. This is one reason doctors monitor children as they grow.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
