Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (640 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
Prolonged shortening of the muscle or other soft tissue around a joint, preventing movement of the joint.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Contractures.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases
- Narrower topics
- Hip Contracture; Ischemic Contracture; Dupuytren Contracture; Fibromatosis, Plantar
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 12,660 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Contracture” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 1,661 of them (13.1%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 6,364 records.
Reviews account for 1,177 records (9.3%) and meta-analyses for 63. Randomized controlled trials number 186 (1.5%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up only a small share of this literature, so much of what is known comes from laboratory, observational or descriptive work.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 6,364 |
| 2000-2009 | 2,036 |
| 2010-2019 | 2,599 |
| 2020 onward | 1,661 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 1,177 | 9.3% |
| Meta-analyses | 63 | 0.5% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 186 | 1.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Contracture"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excessive mechanotransduction in sensory neurons causes joint contractures | 2023 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 61 | cc by PMID 36634173 · DOI · PMC10163824 |
| Collagen VI in the Musculoskeletal System | 2023 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 48 | cc by PMID 36982167 · DOI · PMC10049728 |
| A vasculature niche orchestrates stromal cell phenotype through PDGF signaling: Importance in human fibrotic disease | 2022 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 25 | cc by PMID 35320046 · DOI · PMC9060460 |
| Die Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM)-Skala und deren Gütekriterien bei der Dupuytren’schen Kontraktur | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 0 | cc by PMID 42086069 · DOI · PMC13253015 |
Excessive mechanotransduction in sensory neurons causes joint contractures [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a collection of rare disorders that are characterized by congenital joint contractures.
- Closing excerpt
- This reveals a role for somatosensory neurons: Excessive mechanosensation within these neurons disrupts musculoskeletal development.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (128 words)
Distal arthrogryposis (DA) is a collection of rare disorders that are characterized by congenital joint contractures. Most DA mutations are in muscle- and joint-related genes, and the anatomical defects originate cell-autonomously within the musculoskeletal system. However, gain-of-function mutations in PIEZO2, a principal mechanosensor in somatosensation, cause DA subtype 5 (DA5) through unknown mechanisms. We show that expression of a gain-of-function PIEZO2 mutation in proprioceptive sensory neurons that mainly innervate muscle spindles and tendons is sufficient to induce DA5-like phenotypes in mice. Overactive PIEZO2 causes anatomical defects through increased activity within the peripheral nervous system during postnatal development. Furthermore, botulinum toxin (Botox) and a dietary fatty acid that modulates PIEZO2 activity reduce DA5-like deficits. This reveals a role for somatosensory neurons: Excessive mechanosensation within these neurons disrupts musculoskeletal development.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36634173 · DOI · PMC10163824
Collagen VI in the Musculoskeletal System [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Collagen VI exerts several functions in the tissues in which it is expressed, including mechanical roles, cytoprotective functions with the inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative damage, and the promotion of tumor growth and progression by the regulation of cell differentiation and autophagic mechanisms.
- Closing excerpt
- The aim of this review is to outline the role of collagen VI in the musculoskeletal system and to give an update about the tissue-specific functions revealed by studies on animal models and from patients' derived samples in order to fill the knowledge gap between scientists and the clinicians who daily manage patients affected by collagen VI-related myopathies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (177 words)
Collagen VI exerts several functions in the tissues in which it is expressed, including mechanical roles, cytoprotective functions with the inhibition of apoptosis and oxidative damage, and the promotion of tumor growth and progression by the regulation of cell differentiation and autophagic mechanisms. Mutations in the genes encoding collagen VI main chains, COL6A1, COL6A2 and COL6A3, are responsible for a spectrum of congenital muscular disorders, namely Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), Bethlem myopathy (BM) and myosclerosis myopathy (MM), which show a variable combination of muscle wasting and weakness, joint contractures, distal laxity, and respiratory compromise. No effective therapeutic strategy is available so far for these diseases; moreover, the effects of collagen VI mutations on other tissues is poorly investigated. The aim of this review is to outline the role of collagen VI in the musculoskeletal system and to give an update about the tissue-specific functions revealed by studies on animal models and from patients' derived samples in order to fill the knowledge gap between scientists and the clinicians who daily manage patients affected by collagen VI-related myopathies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 36982167 · DOI · PMC10049728
A vasculature niche orchestrates stromal cell phenotype through PDGF signaling: Importance in human fibrotic disease [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- SignificanceTissue fibrotic diseases, for example of the liver and lung, represent a huge unmet medical need.
- Closing excerpt
- Together, these findings provide a basis for the concept of targeting blood vessel signaling to control the progression of human fibrosis.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (112 words)
SignificanceTissue fibrotic diseases, for example of the liver and lung, represent a huge unmet medical need. In this study, using single-cell RNA sequencing, cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF), tissue imaging, and functional assays, we identify a complex vascular niche in Dupuytren's disease (DD), a common localized fibrotic condition of the palm, where early-disease-stage tissue can be accessed readily. We uncover a population of myofibroblast precursors within the pericyte compartment and demonstrate that the endothelium instructs the differentiation of functionally distinct stromal cells, thereby orchestrating discrete microenvironments in the fibrotic milieu. Together, these findings provide a basis for the concept of targeting blood vessel signaling to control the progression of human fibrosis.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 35320046 · DOI · PMC9060460
Die Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM)-Skala und deren Gütekriterien bei der Dupuytren’schen Kontraktur [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionVarious questionnaires are used to measure limitations in Dupuytren's disease (DD), including the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scale.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionHowever, these data, which are based on a small number of publications, show that the well-accepted and easy-to-use URAM scale can be used as a decision-making aid and research tool for this disease.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (223 words)
IntroductionVarious questionnaires are used to measure limitations in Dupuytren's disease (DD), including the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM) scale. This first Dupuytren-specific questionnaire is hardly known or used in German-speaking countries. The aim of this review is to highlight the measurement properties of the URAM scale and thus establish its use in clinical practice and research in German-speaking countries.MethodsThis review was conducted using the COSMIN methodology (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) for systematic reviews of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Relevant and available data were searched for in various electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase), specific journals, and additional sources. The included publications were analyzed using the COSMIN checklist and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) approach.ResultsThe results of the 9 included publications showed that the URAM scale has good construct validity (r=0,21-0,807), excellent retest reliability (ICC=0,35-0,96), excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0,81-0,91), moderate to high responsiveness (ES: 0,56-0,96), and high specificity (86-88%), but low sensitivity (52-56%) for DD. The evidence was high in terms of responsiveness, moderate in terms of construct validity and reliability, and of low quality in terms of content validity.ConclusionHowever, these data, which are based on a small number of publications, show that the well-accepted and easy-to-use URAM scale can be used as a decision-making aid and research tool for this disease.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42086069 · DOI · PMC13253015
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of Dupuytren disease in the general population of Western countries [5]
- Research article Muscle contracture and passive mechanics in cerebral palsy [6]
- Research article Safety and tolerability of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum and fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture [7]
- Research article Laser in the management of burn scars [8]
- Research article The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review [9]
- Research article The worldwide prevalence of the Dupuytren disease: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis [10]
References
- Ma S, Dubin AE, Romero LO, Loud M, Salazar A, Chu S, et al.. Excessive mechanotransduction in sensory neurons causes joint contractures. . 2023. PMID 36634173 · DOI · PMC10163824
- Di Martino A, Cescon M, D'Agostino C, Schilardi F, Sabatelli P, Merlini L, et al.. Collagen VI in the Musculoskeletal System. . 2023. PMID 36982167 · DOI · PMC10049728
- Layton TB, Williams L, Yang N, Zhang M, Lee C, Feldmann M, et al.. A vasculature niche orchestrates stromal cell phenotype through PDGF signaling: Importance in human fibrotic disease. . 2022. PMID 35320046 · DOI · PMC9060460
- Pelzmann SE. Die Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main (URAM)-Skala und deren Gütekriterien bei der Dupuytren’schen Kontraktur. . 2026. PMID 42086069 · DOI · PMC13253015
- Lanting R, Broekstra DC, Werker PMN, van den Heuvel ER. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of Dupuytren disease in the general population of Western countries. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014. PMID 24263394 · DOI · PMC7121457
- Lieber RL, Fridén J. Muscle contracture and passive mechanics in cerebral palsy. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2019. PMID 30571285 · DOI · PMC6589815
- Peimer CA, Wilbrand S, Gerber RA, Chapman D, Szczypa PP. Safety and tolerability of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum and fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2015. PMID 24698851 · DOI · PMC4361465
- Willows BM, Ilyas M, Sharma A. Laser in the management of burn scars. Burns. 2017. PMID 28784339 · DOI
- Kondrup F, Gaudreault N, Venne G. The deep fascia and its role in chronic pain and pathological conditions: A review. Clin Anat. 2022. PMID 35417568 · DOI
- Salari N, Heydari M, Hassanabadi M, Kazeminia M, Farshchian N, Niaparast M, et al.. The worldwide prevalence of the Dupuytren disease: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2020. PMID 33115483 · DOI · PMC7594412
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
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Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.