Table of Contents
- Overview
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Images
A contracture is a tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin that prevents normal movement.
See also:
Becker's muscular dystrophy Cerebral palsy Duchenne muscular dystrophy Dupuytren's contracture Volkmann's contracture
Alternative Names
Deformity - contracture
Considerations
A contracture develops when the normally elastic (stretchy) connective tissues are replaced by inelastic (nonstretchy) fiber-like tissue. This makes it hard to stretch the area and prevents normal movement.
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).
Common Causes
- Inherited disorders (such as
muscular dystrophy ) - Injury (including burns)
- Nerve damage
- Reduced use (for example, from immobilization)
Images
Review Date: 08/03/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
