Contracture

Limitation of mobility in the joint. Congenital contractures are rare. They manifest themselves in the form of clubfoot.

Acquired contractures can be neurogenic as a result of a disease or injury of the nervous system and post-traumatic (most often) due to intra-articular or periarticular injuries, trauma or burns of soft tissues with subsequent development of scars. Treatment is early and comprehensive: the use of therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy, massage, sanatorium treatment, surgical treatment if indicated. Prevention. Passive and active therapeutic exercises for injuries or diseases of the nervous system, burns and the application of transosseous fixation devices.

Contracture is a persistent or temporary limitation of joint mobility. The main types of joints are flexion (impaired joint extension) and extensor (impaired flexion); There may also be restrictions on other movements—rotational, lateral.

K. can be congenital, associated with developmental defects; they are always persistent, usually combined with a violation of the shape and position of the corresponding part of the body, for example the foot (clubfoot).

Acquired persistent K. may be the result of damage or disease of the joint itself, tightening scars after burns, after extensive muscle damage, etc.

In case of injuries and diseases of the central nervous system (for example, stroke), pain develops due to dysfunction (especially paralysis) of the muscles that carry out this or that movement in the joint.

Prolonged immobility of joints in a plaster cast or in severely ill patients who persistently avoid changing the position of the limbs, usually the legs, threatens the development of K. from inactivity.

Persistent K. of any origin, in the absence of treatment, can increase until the complete loss of joint mobility (ankylosis). The influence of persistent K. on work ability is determined not only by the type and degree, but also by the location of K.

Thus, a significant restriction in knee flexion only disrupts gait, and with a hand that hardly bends at the elbow, a person cannot even button up his clothes, bring a spoon to his mouth, etc. And vice versa: sharp flexion of the knee makes the patient crippled, and with a bent, inactive elbow joint, many types of work can be performed.

Temporary pain is mainly of painful origin—they are caused by involuntary (reflex) muscle contraction, holding the joints in a position that is least painful for the patient. As the pain subsides, joint mobility is restored. However, if the forced position of the joints caused by pain turns out to be very long-term, for example, with severe inflammation of the sciatic nerve (sciatica), then temporary pain can become permanent.

Treatment of persistent K. is complex, carried out by an orthopedic specialist, and includes therapeutic exercises and mechanotherapy, the use of corrective plaster casts, various orthopedic devices, and, if necessary, surgical operations.

The success of treatment largely depends on the patient himself - on his patience, perseverance, strict adherence to doctor’s orders, etc. With congenital K., all this completely applies to the patient’s parents. Having noticed an abnormal position or mobility of any part of the child’s body (foot, hand, neck, etc.), they should immediately contact a medical specialist who will determine what treatment is necessary and when it should be started.

Prevention of acquired K. comes down to immediate seeking medical care for burns, wounds, fractures and other injuries, for diseases (especially inflammatory) in the joint area, especially if a painful limitation of its mobility is already expected. Timely treatment often prevents the development of K. even after severe injuries and illnesses.

The main means of preventing K. from inactivity is therapeutic exercises. The patient performs gymnastic exercises prescribed by the doctor first under the guidance of a physical therapy methodologist, and then independently, persistently and patiently, without giving himself any concessions. A special set of exercises for the muscles of the limb is of utmost importance.

Contracture is a condition in which muscles or joints are limited in movement due to spasm or muscle contraction. This can be caused by various reasons such as injuries, diseases of the nervous system, infections, etc.

Contracture can lead to pain, loss of function, and limited mobility. Treatment for contracture can be different and depends on the cause of its occurrence. In some cases, surgery may be required.

However, contracture can also be caused by other reasons, for example, incorrect body position while sleeping or working. In such cases, to avoid contracture, you need to monitor your posture and body position.

Overall, contracture is a serious condition that can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, if you notice signs of contracture, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Contractures are a fairly common orthopedic pathology in which partial or complete restriction of movement in a joint occurs due to a reduction in its circumference, as a result of which the joint becomes inactive or completely loses mobility.

One of the common causes of this condition is inflammation of the tendons, which can be caused by various mechanical