title: [Psychogenic contracture, a trap for the orthopedic surgeon].
abstract: Dysfunctional posture is an enigmatic pathological entity now attributed to a conversion reaction (formerly to hysteria). When localized to the limbs, the main clinical feature is a contracture of one or several articular segments inflexion or extension. Most of the time, the contracture is released by anesthesia. Patients should be managed with a psychopathological approach. However, some patients continue to be managed in a surgical department because the contracture became apparent after a trauma or surgical procedure. The orthopedic surgeon must be aware of this phenomenon in order to avoid unnecessary operations.
authors.forename: Alain C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Masquelet
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fabre
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Levadoux
authors.forename: Sylvain
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rigal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003286:Contracture / Q000523:psychology*; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures