What term describes a permanent lack of mobility of the scar tissue leading to functional impairment?

The term that describes a permanent lack of mobility of scar tissue leading to functional impairment is known as scar contracture. Scar contractures occur when the normal healing process of the skin results in the formation of overly tight and fibrous tissue, which can restrict movement around the affected area. This tightening can limit the range of motion of joints, resulting in functional impairment, especially if the scar is located over or near a joint.

During the healing process, collagen fibers form in a way that can sometimes lead to this abnormal tightening, which is more pronounced in cases of severe burns or injuries. This condition can significantly affect a person's ability to move and perform daily activities, necessitating various interventions such as physical therapy, stretching exercises, or even surgical procedures to enhance mobility.

In contrast, scar hypertrophy refers to raised, thickened scars that may be itchy or painful but do not necessarily lead to loss of movement. Scar dehiscence involves the separation of the wound edges, often due to insufficient healing, rather than tightness of the scar tissue. Scar retraction is similar but generally refers to the pulling back of the skin which does not necessarily indicate permanent loss of mobility. Therefore, scar contracture specifically highlights the aspect of immobility and functional impairment that