contracture

(kən-trăk'chər)

1. An abnormal, often permanent shortening, as of muscle or scar tissue, that results in distortion or deformity, especially of a joint of the body.
2. A deformity resulting from a contracture.

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A state of prolonged resistance in a muscle which does not involve an action potential. Contracture may result from mechanical, physical, or chemical agents. It is commonly associated with a fibrosis, which shrinks and shortens muscle tissue.

An abnormal, often permanent shortening, as of muscle or scar tissue, that results in distortion or deformity, especially of a joint of the body.

Abnormal shortening of muscle tissue, rendering the muscle highly resistant to stretching. A contracture can lead to permanent disability. It can be caused by fibrosis of the tissues supporting the muscle or the joint, or by disorders of the muscle fibers themselves.

• cauliflower c. — a disfiguring result to scarring after an aural hematoma.
• flexor c. — joint fixed in flexion.
• inherited multiple tendon c. — see inherited multiple tendon contracture.

A permanent shortening, or contraction, of a muscle.