Contracture deformity
Deformity - contractureA contracture develops when normally stretchy (elastic) tissues are replaced by nonstretchy (inelastic) fiber-like tissue. This tissue makes it hard to stretch the area and prevents normal movement.
Contractures mostly occur in the skin, the tissues underneath, and the muscles, tendons, joint capsule, and ligaments surrounding a joint. They reduce the range of motion and function in a certain body part. Often, there is also pain.
Range of motion
Limited range of motion is a term meaning that a joint or body part cannot move through its normal range of motion.
Causes
Contracture can be caused by any of the following:
- Brain and nervous system disorders, such as cerebral palsy or stroke
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that involve the brain. This affects nervous system functions, such as movement, learning, hearing, seei...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleStroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack. " If blood flow is cut off for longer th...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Inherited disorders (such as muscular dystrophy)
Muscular dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of inherited disorders that cause muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue, which get worse over time.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Nerve damage
- Reduced use (for example, from lack of mobility or injuries)
- Severe muscle and bone injuries
- Scarring after traumatic injury or burns
Home Care
Follow your health care provider's instructions for treating a contracture at home. Treatments may include:
- Doing exercises and stretches
- Using braces and splints
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if:
- A contracture seems to be developing.
- You notice a decreased ability to move a joint.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will ask about your symptoms. Questions may include when the symptoms began, whether or not you have pain in the affected area, and what treatments you've had in the past.
Depending on the cause and type of contracture, you may need tests such as an x-ray.
x-ray
An extremity x-ray is an image of the hands, wrist, feet, ankle, leg, thigh, forearm humerus or upper arm, hip, shoulder or all of these areas. The ...
Treatment may include physical therapy, medicines, and orthopedic braces. Surgery may be helpful for some types of contractures.
References
Campbell TM, Dudek N, Trudel G. Joint contractures. In: Frontera, WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 127.
Miller RH, Azar FM, Throckmorton TW. Shoulder and elbow injuries. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 46.
Contracture deformity - illustration
A contracture is a fixed tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin. It prevents normal movement of the associated body part. An injury such as a severe burn can cause contracture of the skin. The skin becomes scarred and nonelastic which limits the range of movement of the affected area.
Contracture deformity
illustration
Contracture deformity - illustration
A contracture is a fixed tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin. It prevents normal movement of the associated body part. An injury such as a severe burn can cause contracture of the skin. The skin becomes scarred and nonelastic which limits the range of movement of the affected area.
Contracture deformity
illustration
Review Date: 8/27/2024
Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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