Contracture deformity

Alternative names:

deformity - contracture

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.

Call your health care provider if:

• a contracture seems to be developing, or there is a decreased ability to move a joint.

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
  • When did it start?

• quality
  • How bad is it?
  • How would you describe it?
  • How much movement is there?

• location
  • Where is it exactly?

• 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.