As muscle deteriorates in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a person often develops fixations of the joints — known as contractures — which can be thought of as scar-like changes of muscle. These contractures can affect the ankles, knees, hips, feet, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
When contractures have advanced but strength remains, a surgical procedure targeting the affected tendons may be indicated to relieve joint fixation. The complete protocol details the specific indications and clinical decision points.
As muscle deteriorates, a person with DMD often develops fixations of the joints, known as contractures, which can be thought of as scar-like changes of muscle.
Contractures can affect the ankles, knees, hips, feet, elbows, wrists, and fingers.
When contractures have advanced but strength remains strong, surgery may be performed to relieve them.
A tendon release procedure, also called heel cord surgery, is often done to treat ankle and other contractures while a child with DMD is still walking.
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