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Contracture release is surgery to loosen or remove tissue that has shortened and restricts movement. A contracture may involve skin, scar tissue, a tendon, or tissue around a joint. The operation aims to improve position and motion in the affected area.
read more about contracture release ...A surgeon may consider release when a contracture interferes with movement, daily activities, or care of the affected area. Burns, injuries, and surgery can leave scars that tighten as they heal. An examination identifies which tissues limit motion and whether therapy or splinting may help.
The surgeon cuts, lengthens, or removes the tissue causing the restriction. A skin graft or flap may be needed to cover the area without pulling it tight again. The technique depends on the location and whether deeper tissues also need treatment.
The wound needs protection while the released area heals. A splint and physical or occupational therapy may help maintain the improved position and movement. Recovery instructions vary with the tissues treated and any graft or flap used.
Risks include bleeding, infection, wound problems, and injury to nearby structures. A graft or flap may not heal as planned. Tightness can return, particularly if new scar tissue forms during healing.
No. Some areas can be closed after the tight tissue is released. A graft or flap may be needed when there is not enough skin for closure without tension.
Stretching, splinting, and therapy may help some contractures. A fixed restriction may require surgery if it continues to limit function.
The surgeon may improve the position during the operation, but healing and rehabilitation take time. The amount of motion regained depends on the joint and tissues involved.
Yes. New scarring or continued tissue shortening can cause tightness again. Follow the prescribed wound care, splinting, and therapy plan during recovery.
Contracture: What It Is, Types, Prevention & Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/contracture. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Management of post burn hand deformities. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3038401/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Post-burn scars and scar contractures. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3038392/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Prevention and Surgical Management of Postburn Contractures of the Hand. PubMed Central (PMC). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4094121/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.
Scar Contractures. Textbook on Scar Management (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK586056/. Date Accessed September 30, 2026.