Contracture – What is this disease?

Contractures (Contracture Deformity)

Description contracture

Контрактура – снижение подвижности некостных тканей, such as muscle, Tendon, ligaments, or skin. This reduces the loss of movement in the affected joints.

Contracture is different from spasticity, but they are often linked. Spasticity is characterized by an abnormal increase in muscle tone and can worsen the condition of patients with contracture.

Why contracture occurs

Contracture may be caused by abnormalities of the structures, surrounding the joint. These anomalies are:

• Strain;
• Stillness;
• Trauma;
• Chronic inflammation.

Certain disorders, that affect nerves and muscles almost always give rise to contracture. For Example:

• Mыshechnaya dystrophy;
• Cerebral paralysis.

Contracture is often also associated with spasticity resulting from damage to the central nervous system (stroke or head injury).

Risk Factors contracture

Factors, that may increase the risk of contracture include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Тендовагинит – воспаление сухожилий и их оболочки;
• Polio and other diseases of nerves and muscles;
• Trauma;
• Burns;
• Scarring;
• Prolonged immobility.

Symptoms contracture

The main symptom is loss of movement of joint contractures. Pain can also be one of the main symptoms of.

Diagnosis contracture

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. The joints will be tested to limit the range of motion.

Can be performed radiographs, to determine the exact location of the abnormal area.

Treatment of contractures

Treatments include contractures:

Physiotherapy

Maintaining and improving the range of motion is important. Often for large contractures of joints used ultrasound. Physical therapy helps to increase mobility, flexibility of joints and muscle strength. Some patients also shown therapeutic massage.

Immobilized tires

Immobilized tires help stretch the soft tissues, surrounding the affected joint and support them in the functional position. This method is often used, when contractures are caused by nerve injury or prolonged immobility. The position of the joint to the bus need to be changed regularly, chtobyizbezhat skin damage.

Medication

In the treatment of contractures can help preparations for the treatment of spasticity. They include the use of Botox and oral drugs, reduce spasms.

Blocking nerve and electrical stimulation

In cases of severe spasticity, nerves of the affected muscles can be temporarily blocked with anesthetics. Besides, opposing muscle can be stimulated electrically. These actions can change the balance of power nasustave. This therapy is often done in conjunction with the imposition of tires.

Surgery

Surgery may be needed, to release affected tendons, ligaments and joints. It can be performed in severe cases, or if other treatments did not produce results contracture.

Prevention of contractures

Prevention of contractures depends on the cause. After acute injuries or orthopedic surgery can prevent contractures following procedures:

• Early initiation of movement affected joint;
• Physiotherapy;
• Механотерапия постоянного пассивного движения – применяются аппараты, Mechanical joints are maintained in motion.

Aggressive treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis may also delay or prevent contractures.