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Contracture deformity

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Contracture deformity

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Contracture deformity

Definition:

A contracture is a fixed tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin. It prevents normal movement of the associated body part and can cause permanent deformity.

Alternative Names:
Deformity - contracture

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Considerations:

A contracture develops when the normally elastic connective tissues are replaced by inelastic fibrous tissue. This makes the affected area resistant to stretching 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):

• Dupuytren's contracture
• Claw hand
• Foot drop (the foot points downward)
• Wrist drop (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)

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