What is Scar Contracture?
A scar contracture is the tightening and shrinking of scar tissue, a result of the body's wound-healing process. This occurs after a scar has already healed and re-epithelialized. The scar tissue, which is less elastic than normal skin, pulls the surrounding skin, potentially restricting movement and causing deformities. This is especially problematic when the scar forms near joints or other mobile areas of the body.
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Formation: Contractures develop when the wound-healing process produces excessive collagen, a structural protein in connective tissue. This excess collagen leads to a dense, contracted scar that pulls the skin together. This process is particularly common after severe burns or injuries that damage a large area of skin.
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Location: Contractures can occur anywhere on the body but are more concerning when they form near joints. For example, a contracture around a knee or elbow joint can severely limit movement. The neck, axilla (armpit), and digital web spaces (between fingers or toes) are also common sites for problematic contractures.
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Causes: Various factors can contribute to scar contracture formation, including the depth and size of the original wound, the location of the wound, and individual variations in wound healing. Burns frequently lead to contractures due to the extensive skin damage involved.
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Impact: Scar contractures can cause functional limitations and aesthetic concerns. They can restrict joint mobility, making everyday tasks difficult. The appearance of a contracture can also impact self-esteem and body image.
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Treatment: Treatment options range from non-surgical approaches like physical therapy and pressure therapy to surgical interventions such as contracture release surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the contracture and its location. Learn more about scar revision surgery.
Differences from Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
While both keloids and hypertrophic scars involve abnormal wound healing, they differ from contractures: Contractures are characterized by the contraction of already formed scar tissue, limiting movement. Keloids and hypertrophic scars, on the other hand, represent overgrowth of scar tissue beyond the original wound boundaries. Learn more about the differences between scar contractures, hypertrophic scars, and keloids.
