Which type of contracture is most directly associated with muscle pathology?

• A. Neurogenic
• B. Fibrogenic
• C. Myogenic
• D. Arthrogenic

Answer: (C)

When a contracture is driven by changes inside the muscle itself, it is described as myogenic. Muscle pathology—such as dystrophy, inflammatory myopathy, or chronic myofascial changes—causes the muscle to lose extensibility, often with replacement of healthy muscle fibers by fibrous tissue. This intrinsic alteration shortens the muscle and limits its ability to lengthen, producing a contracture that is fundamentally rooted in the muscle tissue.

Other types reflect problems outside the muscle. Neurogenic contractures come from altered neural input and resulting muscle imbalance, leading to spasticity or weakness that secondarily shortens tissues. Fibrogenic contractures involve fibrous tissue development in periarticular structures, limiting motion due to connective tissue changes rather than muscle itself. Arthrogenic contractures stem from joint pathology, with the joint surfaces, capsule, or ligaments restricting movement. While these can cause contractures, they are not due to muscle tissue pathology, making the myogenic type the one most directly tied to muscle disease.