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Welcome to the 19th Annual AMCSI Conference in Atlanta, Georgia!

Words to Know

Learning the lingo to something new is an important part of the process & we are here to help you. Below are some of the many things we have learned along or travels with AMC.

Amyoplasia

A condition distinguished by a generalized lack in the newborn of muscular development & growth, with contracture and deformity at most joints. It is the most common form of arthrogryposis.

AFO (ankle-foot-orthosis)

A brace typically made of plastic that is worn on the lower leg and foot to support the ankle and hold the foot in the new corrected position.

Casting

Typically a non-surgical approach aimed at correcting tightness around a joint or resolving a contracture. Methods and protocol vary.

Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologist is a doctor that deals with disorders of the stomach and intestines.

Geneticist

Geneticist is a biologist who studies genetics, the science of genes, heredity, and variation of organisms.

Neurologist

Neurologist is a physician specializing in neurology and trained to investigate, or diagnose and treat neurological disorders.

Contracture

Permanent shortening of a muscle or joint.

Club foot or Clubbed Feet

A congenital deformity of the foot that is twisted so that the sole of the foot cannot be placed flat on the ground for walking. There are many types and varieties, and is fairly common occurring in 1 in 1,000 live births in the U.S. per year.

Extension

The unbending or straightening of any joint in the body.

Flexion

The bending movement of any joint in the body.

Geneticist

A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prognosis, and, in some cases, treatment of genetic diseases.

Hip dysplasia

The failure of the hip joints to develop normally, gradually deteriorating and leading to the loss of hip function.

Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (KAFOs)

Typically include an AFO in the lower portion connected by metal rods and a joint at the knee. These type of braces can stop, limit, or assist motion in the ankle, foot, and knee.

Lower extremities or Lowers

This includes hips, legs, knees, ankles, feet, and toes. Oftentimes, lower extremity specialists will also include the spine.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

A form of therapy concerned with providing independence in activities of daily living.

Pronation

Rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palm faces backwards or downwards. Also, a comparable rotation of the foot consisting of abduction followed be eversion.

Physical Therapy (PT)

A form of therapy that typically uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients gain or re-gain motion and independence.

Serial casting

Typically a non-surgical approach aimed at correcting tightness around a joint or resolving a contracture by casting changed at a high frequency.

Spica

An orthopedic cast used to immobilize the hip. It is typically used after surgery and includes the trunk of the body and upper portion of legs.

Supination

Rotation of the hand and forearm so that the palms face upwards. Also, a comparable rotation of the foot consisting of adduction followed by inversion.

Stretching

The act of extending or flexing a part of one’s body in order to reach its maximum range of motion.

Upper extremities or Uppers

This includes shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, fingers, and thumbs.

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