Recognizing and honoring June 30th as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day in the City of Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a term used to describe a group of congenital conditions characterized by joint contractures in two or more areas of the body. Individuals with AMC have limited joint movement, with or without muscle weakness, in the involved body areas. Contractures vary in distribution and severity, do not progress to previously unaffected joints, but may change over time due to growth and treatment; and

WHEREAS, Spinal deformities may be present at birth or develop throughout childhood and adolescence. Depending on the underlying diagnosis, other body systems such as the respiratory, gastro-intestinal, genito-urinary and central nervous system may be affected. Cognition may be affected if the central nervous system is involved; sensation is usually intact. The impact on mobility, activities of daily living and participation is variable. 1 out of every 3,000 infants have arthrogryposis; and

WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis is an umbrella diagnosis, meaning that it is part of many other conditions and syndromes. While the precise cause may be unknown for some individuals, causes are variable and may include genetic, parental and environmental factors, as well as abnormalities during fetal development. These conditions and syndromes are referred to as the type of arthrogryposis; and

WHEREAS, Currently, there are over 500 identified types of AMC. Amyoplasia, Distal and Escobar Syndrome are the more common types. However, some individuals never have their type of AMC identified; and

WHEREAS, Arthrogryposis is not a newly identified condition. Literary evidence of arthrogryposis dates back as early as the 12th century. A 1642 painting by Jusepe de Ribera, now located in the Louvre, portrays a beggar believed to have a form of AMC, though the specific

type is still debated among experts. Adolph Otto officially described AMC in 1841; and

WHEREAS,

Arthrogryposis is not curable, but it is very treatable. AMC can require various therapies such as physical, occupational, speech, etc., and may require surgical interventions. Usually, the goal of treatment is to make a person as independent as possible in activities of daily living, Treatment can

help improve a person’s overall independence level and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, There remains very little information in the medical literature on joint replacements in adults with AMC and degenerative arthritis as a form of treatment. Recent trials with replacing joints affected by AMC in some patients have been positive, and doctors plan to publish research on these trials soon. Like all things AMC related, the research remains ongoing and treatments are advancing constantly; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia celebrates the resilience, strength, and achievements of all individuals living with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, honors the dedicated caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, and advocates who work tirelessly on their behalf, and reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive and compassionate Philadelphia where every resident is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive; and

WHEREAS, In honor of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day, Philadelphia City Hall will be illuminated in blue on June 30, 2026, as a powerful symbol of the City’s commitment to raising awareness and demonstrating solidarity with individuals living with AMC and their families; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes June 30th as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc. as a token of the City Council’s admiration, gratitude, and efforts to raise awareness for AMC.

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