What Is a Contracture Deformity?
A contracture deformity is a condition in which connective tissues in the body become constricted, shortened, or stuff. This affects normal movements and physical activities. The disorder is typically a result of a drop in flexibility of usually pliable connective tissues, which subsequently restricts the range of motion. People with a contracture deformity might have difficulty extending some body parts, straightening fingers, as well as moving one of their limbs. The usual elastic tissues can be replaced by inelastic or non-stretchy fiber-like tissues, thus limiting movement.
The disorder can occur in many parts or areas of our bodies, especially the muscles, skin, ligaments, or tendons. For instance, a muscle contracture leads to the tightening or shortening of muscles. A joint contracture happens in joint capsules, which are the fibrous and dense connective tissue. They are responsible for stabilizing the joint at the most internal and deepest level. This might restrict the range of motion in those body parts that the bones meet. Similarly, inhibited movements can be a result of the condition on the skin, which causes contraction and scarring. [1]
