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Contracture Deformity
Alternate Names : Deformity - Contracture
DefinitionA contracture is a permanent tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin that prevents normal movement of the associated body part and that can cause permanent deformity.
Pictures & Images
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Overview & 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):
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• Definition
• Contracture Deformity: Overview & Considerations
• Contracture Deformity: Common Causes
• Contracture Deformity: Home Care & Treatment
• Call your Health Care Provider if
• What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Becker's Muscular Dystrophy
• Cerebral Palsy
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Dupuytren's Contracture
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Volkmann's Ischemic Contracture
Tests & Exams
• Extremity X-Ray
Other Topics
• Burns
• Physical Examination
Review Date : 11/14/2002
Reviewed By : Thomas N. Joseph, M.D., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, NYU/Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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