Glossary term
Contracture
Restricted joint motion caused by shortened or stiff soft tissues; severity and reversibility vary.
Updated 2026-03-011 alias1 sourceUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
A contracture is restricted joint motion caused by shortening, stiffness, or structural change in muscles, tendons, capsule, skin, or other soft tissues. It can range from an early dynamic limitation that improves with treatment to a fixed deformity. In limb lengthening, knee-flexion and ankle-equinus contractures are important monitored risks. [1]
Aliases
joint contracture
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Coglianese DB et al. - Physical therapy management of patients undergoing limb lengthening by distraction osteogenesisacademic_journalAccessed 2026-07-12
Informational only. Not medical advice.