Joint Contracture

Contracture is defined as a persistent loss of full passive range of motion at a joint resulting from structural changes in soft tissues

Aetiology

• Neurological causes
• Diseases affecting joints, e.g. RA & OA, haemophilia
• Trauma
• Muscle wasting diseases such as muscular dystrophy
• Conditions affecting overlying skin, e.g. burns & Nail Patella Syndrome
• Immobilization may lead to shortening of ligaments around the joint