contracture
/kənˈtræktʃər/
noun
- A permanent shortening of a muscle or tendon, often causing a joint to be bent and unable to straighten.
- Physical therapy can help prevent contractures in patients who are bedridden for long periods.
- After the injury, he developed a contracture in his left hand that made it hard to grip objects.
- The doctor explained that the contracture in her knee was caused by scar tissue from the surgery.