contracture
Pronunciation: kon-TRAK-cher
A permanent shortening of muscle, tendon, or joint capsule that results in restricted range of motion, commonly addressed in rehabilitation to preserve or restore function.
Full Definition
A contracture is a fixed tightening of soft tissues around a joint, leading to reduced or lost range of motion that cannot be overcome by voluntary effort alone. In rehabilitation, contractures are a significant complication of prolonged immobility, neurological injury, or burns, and their prevention and management are central rehabilitation goals. Editors will encounter the term in physiotherapy notes, occupational therapy reports, and outcome measures. It should not be confused with muscle spasm, which is temporary, or with spasticity, which has a distinct neurological mechanism. Contracture type (intrinsic, extrinsic, myogenic, arthrogenic) may be specified in specialist texts.
Usage
Usage note: Do not substitute 'contracture' with 'contraction,' which refers to normal, reversible muscle shortening.
In Context
- "Elbow flexion contracture was noted at 30 degrees and was targeted in the daily stretching program." — Physiotherapy assessment report
- "Prevention of contracture formation is a primary goal during the acute phase of spinal cord injury rehabilitation." — Rehabilitation medicine review article