RT Book, Section A1 Stein, Joel A1 Chowdhury, Nasim A2 Mitra, Raj SR Print(0) ID 1182781197 T1 Spasticity and Contractures T2 Principles of Rehabilitation Medicine YR 2019 FD 2019 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9780071793339 LK accessphysiotherapy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1182781197 RD 2024/03/28 AB This chapter focuses on the clinical diagnosis, pathophysiology, and physiatric management of spasticity and contractures. Spasticity is an involuntary velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone, a component of upper motor neuron syndrome.Contractures are a loss of full active and passive range of motion in a limb that can be due to limitations imposed by the joint, muscle, or soft tissue.Spasticity and contractures are significant contributors to disability.Clinical measurement of spasticity includes the Modified Ashworth and Tardieu scales.Spasticity can be treated systemically with oral medications such as baclofen and tizanidine and with an intrathecal baclofen pump. Botulinum toxin and other neurolytic injections are used for localized treatment.Prevention is critical for contracture management. Once they occur, contractures can be managed with rehabilitation modalities, including stretching, proper positioning, and splinting.Once a contracture has developed, surgical release may be required.