A contracture is a fixed tightening of muscle, tendons, ligaments, or skin that prevents normal movement of the associated body part. It is usually permanent, but less commonly can be temporary or resolve over time but reoccur later in life. Contractures develop when normally elastic tissues such as muscles or tendons are replaced by inelastic tissues (fibrosis), resulting in the shortening and hardening of these tissues, ultimately causing rigidity, joint deformities, and a total loss of movement around the joint. The most common causes of contracture are inactivity and scarring from an injury or burn. Contractures can occur in different parts of the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin. The hallmark of a joint contracture is an inability to normally move the joint, whether bending it or straightening it, and sometimes the joint is painful. Contractures can be caused by brain and nervous system disorders, such as cerebral palsy or stroke, inherited disorders such as muscular dystrophy, nerve damage, reduced use, severe muscle and bone injuries, scarring after traumatic injury or burns, and being inactive for a long time.

Some common types of contractures include:

• Muscle contracture: A tightening or shortening of muscles that causes joint stiffness and can happen in any joint.
• Joint contracture: A joint contracture occurs when the structures inside and outside a joint limit motion of the joint. It can occur in different parts of the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin.
• Burn scar contracture: The tightening of the skin after a second or third-degree burn.
• Capsular contracture: A response of the immune system to foreign materials in the human body.
• Dupuytren’s contracture: A condition in which one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position.

Treatment for contractures may include physical therapy, medicines, exercises, stretches, braces, and splints.