VOLKMANN'S 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; or by a severe injury in the region of the elbow. If it is recognized early and the cause is removed promptly, recovery is possible. Otherwise the muscles degenerate and are replaced with fibrous connective tissue.