Contracture
Pronunciation: kon-TRAK-chur
A permanent shortening of muscle, tendon, or joint capsule tissue resulting in restricted range of motion, often a complication of immobility or spasticity.
Full Definition
A contracture is a chronic and often irreversible shortening of soft tissue—including muscles, tendons, ligaments, or the joint capsule—that leads to a fixed limitation in joint range of motion. In physical medicine and rehabilitation, contractures are a common complication of prolonged immobility, severe spasticity, burns, or joint inflammation. Documentation may reference specific contracture locations such as 'hip flexion contracture' or 'elbow flexion contracture.' Editors must distinguish contracture from spasticity (a dynamic increase in tone) and from stiffness (a more general and reversible symptom). Contracture prevention and management are recurring themes in rehabilitation care plans.
Usage
Usage note: Contracture implies a fixed, structural limitation distinct from the dynamic tone changes of spasticity. Editors should ensure these terms are not interchanged.
In Context
- "A knee flexion contracture of 15 degrees was noted on admission and targeted with daily stretching." — Inpatient rehabilitation admission note
- "Serial casting was initiated to correct the ankle plantar flexion contracture in the pediatric patient." — Pediatric rehabilitation care plan