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Volkmann contracture
pathology
Volkmann contracture, disorder of the wrist and hand in which the hand and fingers become fixed in a characteristic bent position. The disorder may be caused by the pressure of bandages, a tourniquet, or splints after a fracture; it may also be caused by a severe injury in the region of the elbow. If the cause is not removed promptly, the muscles atrophy and are replaced with fibrous connective tissue.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Robert Curley.
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