After a spinal cord injury, there may be many sequelae, such as limb spasticity or even contracture, which are often due to the loss of inhibition of upper motor neurons, as well as pain and long-term bed rest. To prevent and treat limb contractures, it is necessary to pay attention to correct positioning, and perform regular active and passive joint exercises for the patient, and try to eliminate factors that cause pain. In addition, appropriate physical therapy such as cold, heat, and electrical therapy, or the use of braces, can also be helpful.

Correct and appropriate medication can help relieve limb spasticity with minimal side effects. Generally, oral medications have systemic effects and often cause central inhibition and drowsiness. Local injection can selectively relax the joint muscles of specific spasticity, facilitating rehabilitation exercises. Currently used types include local anesthetics, phenol nerve blocks, alcohol nerve blocks, and botulinum toxin muscle injections. Phenol nerve block requires careful and time-consuming localization, while botulinum toxin muscle injection is convenient but expensive. After injection, a valid period of three to six months should be used to perform rehabilitation exercises.

Severe muscle and joint contractures require surgical intervention to lengthen tendons or cut nerves to relax muscles. Alternatively, seeking neurological surgery, such as selective dorsal rhizotomy, can help with contracted limbs.

In summary, limb contractures after spinal cord injury can be minimized. We hope that our friends who have suffered from trauma can restore the activity of their limbs and live an independent future.