Definition of contracture in English:
contracture
noun kənˈtraktʃəkənˈtræk(t)ʃər
mass nounMedicine A condition of shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints.
contracture of the hip in cerebral palsy
count noun the contractures had been caused by intramuscular injections
Example sentencesExamples
- This minimises the risk of wound contracture causing ectropion.
- Forearm and lower leg measurements cross joints and could be affected by joint deformity such as contracture.
- In capsular contracture, scar tissue forms around the breast implant and contracts, which can result in pain and loss of breast contour.
- General management of the arthritic process is important, with physiotherapy to prevent joint contracture.
- During the immobilization of a fracture, all nonimmobilized parts must be moved to avoid stiffness, muscle atrophy and joint contractures.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French, or from Latin contractura, from Latin contract- 'drawn together', from the verb contrahere.
Definition of contracture in US English:
contracture
nounkənˈtræk(t)ʃərkənˈtrak(t)SHər
Medicine A condition of shortening and hardening of muscles, tendons, or other tissue, often leading to deformity and rigidity of joints.
contracture of the hip in cerebral palsy
count noun the contractures had been caused by intramuscular injections
Example sentencesExamples
- Forearm and lower leg measurements cross joints and could be affected by joint deformity such as contracture.
- During the immobilization of a fracture, all nonimmobilized parts must be moved to avoid stiffness, muscle atrophy and joint contractures.
- In capsular contracture, scar tissue forms around the breast implant and contracts, which can result in pain and loss of breast contour.
- General management of the arthritic process is important, with physiotherapy to prevent joint contracture.
- This minimises the risk of wound contracture causing ectropion.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French, or from Latin contractura, from Latin contract- ‘drawn together’, from the verb contrahere.