Which term means permanent shortening of a muscle or joint?

• A. Atrophy
• B. Dystrophy
• C. Contracture
• D. Hypertrophy

Answer: (C)

Permanent shortening of a muscle or joint is called a contracture. This happens when the tissues around the muscle or joint become stiff or fibrotic after prolonged shortening, leading to a fixed limitation in movement and reduced range of motion. It’s different from atrophy, which is a wasting away of muscle, dystrophy, which is a disease causing progressive muscle degeneration, and hypertrophy, which is an increase in muscle size. Contractures create a lasting restriction that often requires interventions such as targeted stretching, physical therapy, splinting or serial casting, and in more severe cases, surgical release to restore function.