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| Definition: |
A contracture is a permanent tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin that prevents normal movement of the associated body part. It can cause permanent deformity of the affected body part.
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| Alternative Names: |
Deformity - contracture
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| Considerations: |
A contracture develops when the normally elastic connective tissues become replaced with inelastic fibrous tissue; this makes the tissues resistant to stretching and prevents normal movement of the affected area.
Contractures occur primarily in the skin, underlying tissues, muscle, tendons, and joint areas.
The most common causes are scarring and lack of use (due to immobilization or inactivity).
See also:
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| Common Causes: |
- injury (including burns)
- reduced use (for example, from immobilization)
- damage or degeneration of the nerves
- inherited disorders (such as muscular dystrophy)
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| Home Care: |
Home care is primarily a continuation of the care that the health care provider prescribes. For example, physical therapy exercises must be continued at home.
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| Call your health care provider if: |
- a contracture seems to be developing, or there is a decreased ability to move a joint.
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| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
The medical history will be reviewed and a physical examination will be performed.
Medical history questions documenting contracture deformities in detail may include:
- time pattern
- quality
- How bad is it?
- How would you describe it?
- How much movement is there?
- location
- other
- What other symptoms are also present?
Depending on the cause and type of contracture, diagnostic testing (such as an extremity X-ray) may or may not be necessary.
Intervention:
Physical therapy, orthopedic appliances, or surgical intervention may be helpful for some types of contractures.
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to a contracture deformity to your personal medical record.
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Review Date: 5/26/2001
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush-Presbyterian Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Health Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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