• A contracture is the lack of joint mobility caused by abnormal shortening of a muscle. The contracted muscle is fixed into position, is deformed, and cannot stretch (Fig. 23-1). Common sites are the fingers, wrists, elbows, toes, ankles, knees, and hips. They can also occur in the neck and spine. The site is deformed and stiff.

• Atrophy is the decrease in size or the wasting away of tissue. Tissues shrink in size. Muscle atrophy is a decrease in size or a wasting away of muscle (Fig. 23-2).

• Bed-boards—are placed under the mattress to prevent it from sagging (Fig. 23-3).

• Foot-boards—prevent plantar flexion that can lead to footdrop. In plantar flexion, the foot (plantar) is bent (flexion). Footdrop is when the foot falls down at the ankle (permanent plantar flexion). The foot-board is placed so the soles of the feet are flush against it (Fig. 23-4). Foot-boards also keep top linens off the feet and toes.

• Trochanter rolls—prevent the hips and legs from turning outward (external rotation) (Fig. 23-5). A bath blanket is folded to the desired length and rolled up. The loose end is placed under the person from the hip to the knee. Then the roll is tucked alongside the body.

• Hip abduction wedges—keep the hips abducted (apart) (Fig. 23-6). The wedge is placed between the person’s legs. These are common after hip replacement surgery.

• Hand rolls or hand grips—prevent contractures of the thumb, fingers, and wrist (Fig. 23-7, p. 370). Foam rubber sponges, rubber balls, and finger cushions (Fig. 23-8, p. 370) also are used.

• Splints—keep the elbows, wrists, thumbs, fingers, ankles, and knees in normal position. They are usually secured in place with Velcro (Fig. 23-9, p. 370).

• Bed cradles—keep the weight of top linens off the feet and toes (Fig. 23-10, p. 370). The weight of top linens can cause footdrop and pressure ulcers.