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Glossary term

Contracture

Restricted joint motion caused by shortened or stiff soft tissues; severity and reversibility vary.

Updated 1 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

Sources

Informational only. Not medical advice.

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