Contracture deformity

Alternative names:

deformity - contracture

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.

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:

• Dupuytren's contracture
• claw hand
• foot drop (a deformity where the foot points downward)
• wrist drop (a deformity where the wrist cannot be lifted)
• Volkmann's contracture
• Becker's muscular dystrophy
• cerebral palsy
• Duchenne's muscular dystrophy

Common causes:

• injury (including burns)
• reduced use (for example, from immobilization)
• damage or degeneration of the nerves
• inherited disorders (such as muscular dystrophy)

Note: There may be other causes of contracture deformities. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for a contracture deformity, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.