Which condition is characterized by a lack of joint mobility due to muscle shortening?

The condition characterized by a lack of joint mobility due to muscle shortening is contracture. This occurs when muscles and tendons become tight, leading to a significant restriction in the range of motion at the affected joint. Contractures often arise from prolonged immobility, muscle spasticity, or injury, causing the muscles to lose their elasticity and flexibility.

In contrast, atrophy refers to the decrease in muscle mass or wasting away, which does not inherently imply a limitation in joint mobility due to muscle shortening. Foot drop is a specific condition affecting the ability to lift the front part of the foot and can be caused by nerve damage or muscle weakness, but it is not a general term for lack of mobility. Abduction refers to the movement of a limb away from the midline of the body and is unrelated to joint mobility restrictions caused by muscle shortening. Understanding the distinction between these terms helps clarify why contracture accurately describes a lack of joint mobility due to muscle shortening.