Volkmann's contracture

contracture /con·trac·ture/ (-cher) abnormal shortening of muscle tissue, rendering the muscle highly resistant to passive stretching.

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Dupuytren's contracture  flexion deformity of the fingers or toes, due to shortening, thickening, and fibrosis of the palmar or plantar fascia.

ischemic contracture  muscular contracture and degeneration due to interference with the circulation from pressure, or from injury or cold.

organic contracture  permanent and continuous contracture.

Volkmann's contracture  contraction of the fingers and sometimes of the wrist, or of analogous parts of the foot, with loss of power, after severe injury or improper use of a tourniquet.

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Volkmann's contracture

n.

Contraction of the hand and fingers and related tissue degeneration caused by reduced blood flow, as from an injury or improper use of a tourniquet.

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Volkmann's contracture

Etymology: Richard von Volkmann, German surgeon, 1830-1889

a serious persistent flexion contraction of forearm and hand caused by ischemia. A pressure or crushing injury in the region of the elbow usually precedes this condition, and pressure from a cast or tight bandage about the elbow is a common cause. Permanent fibrosis, muscle degeneration, and a clawlike hand may result. Nurses must watch for swelling, pallor, coldness, cyanosis, or pain distal to the injury site so that prompt loosening of constriction can restore circulation. Also called ischemic contracture, Volkmann's paralysis.