Contractures represent a common but preventable source of excess disability among
nursing home residents. They result in many negative consequences such as pain, increased
fall risk and decreased functional ability. Studies of prevalence vary in the definition
of contracture and thus the exact enumeration, but consistently report the commonality
in the nursing home setting. In this population, the clinician should focus on tertiary
prevention and/or treatment. Methods such as those consistent with restorative care
nursing have shown improvement in function and are a reasonable recommendation as
a preventive measure for contractures. Assessment, prevention, and treatment approaches
are discussed.
Keywords
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Article info
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Published online: January 18, 2010
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© 2010 American Medical Directors Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
