Which contractures are most typical at thoracic level postural deviations and contractures?

Which contractures are most typical at thoracic level postural deviations and contractures?

• A. Hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation contractures
• B. Knee flexion and ankle plantarflexion contractures
• C. Kyphoscoliosis
• D. Increased lumbar lordosis

Answer: (A)

In thoracic-level lesions, the body often settles into a position that puts the hips in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Over time, the hip flexors (like the iliopsoas and rectus femoris) tighten, and the hip abductors and external rotators become shortened, leading to fixed contractures in those directions. This pattern—hip flexion with abduction and external rotation—is the most typical contracture seen with thoracic-level postural deviations. Knee flexion and ankle plantarflexion contractures tend to arise more from distal involvement or prolonged immobilization, while kyphoscoliosis and increased lumbar lordosis describe spinal/postural alignments rather than fixed hip joint contractures.