Urianna's 8-Month Final Treatment

Urianna Acosta was born with a debilitating and un-pronouncable disability known as Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita or AMC for those of us without Medical Degrees.

Here it is in her own words...I have: Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. What is Athrogryposis Multiplet Congentila (AMC): A condition that causes many joints to be stiff and crooked at birth.

I lack the normal range of motion in several joints. A joint that lacks normal range of motion is called a joint contracture. These joint contractures develop before birth (prenatally) and are evident at birth (congenitally).

Arthro means joint, Gryposis means crooked, multiplex means multiple and congenita means existing at birth or present at birth. Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita is an umbrella and descriptive diagnosis.

This means Arthrogryposis can be caused by an underlying condition or syndrome. Which joints are affected by AMC? Joints affected by AMC include my hands, feet, hips, knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists, fingers, toes. Any and all joints can be affected but it is possible for some joints to be unaffected. No two people are affected exactly the same way.

The first procedure at the Shriner's Hospital in Philadelphia lasted 16 weeks. This final procedure (which will lead to the MIRACLE OF WALKING) will take over 8 months. And that's why the goal is higher. It's the last procedure and the one that will give Urianna her dream: SHOES!