Contracture is defined as which of the following?

Contracture is defined as which of the following?

• A. Temporary muscle spasm
• B. Permanent shortening of a muscle or joint
• C. Loss of muscle strength
• D. Inflammation

Answer: (B)

Contracture is a permanent shortening of soft tissues around a joint, which leads to a persistent limitation in range of motion. This occurs when tissues such as muscles, tendons, or connective tissue scar and shorten after injury, immobilization, burns, or nerve damage, so the joint cannot move through its full arc even with effort. It differs from a temporary muscle spasm, which resolves on its own, from loss of muscle strength, which is about reduced force production, and from inflammation, which is swelling and pain without necessarily causing lasting shortening. Because the tissues have become permanently shortened, contractures often require progressive stretching, splinting, or surgical release to restore movement.

Contracture is a permanent shortening of soft tissues around a joint, which leads to a persistent limitation in range of motion. This occurs when tissues such as muscles, tendons, or connective tissue scar and shorten after injury, immobilization, burns, or nerve damage, so the joint cannot move through its full arc even with effort. It differs from a temporary muscle spasm, which resolves on its own, from loss of muscle strength, which is about reduced force production, and from inflammation, which is swelling and pain without necessarily causing lasting shortening. Because the tissues have become permanently shortened, contractures often require progressive stretching, splinting, or surgical release to restore movement.