Contracture (secondary)

Question 1

Describe common UL contractures

Answer 1

Shoulder - add, int rot
Elbow - flex
Forearm - pronation
Wrist - flex, finger flex
Thumb - web space?

Question 2

Describe common LL contractures

Answer 2

Hip - ext rot
Knee - flex
Ankle - PF, inversion?

Question 3

Describe NSF guidelines for contracture prevention

Answer 3

B - routine use of splints and prolonged stretching NOT RECOMMENDED
C - overhead pulley SHOULD NOT be used for shoulder ROM
GPP - conventional therapy
GPP - serial casting for severe, persistent contracture when conventional therapy has failed

Question 4

Rx for contractures

Answer 4

Not routine

30min EOR hold out of contracture

Ensure you measure. Only try for a week

Question 5

Describe how we can prevent contractures

Answer 5

Active stretching while doing other exercises
ES to end of range
Positioning at rest

Question 6

Describe characteristics of contracture after stroke

Answer 6

Shorter - Loss of sarcomeres
Connective tissues - Lose water, collagen deposition

Muscle strength strong but not accurate predictor