Atrophy

Also called amyotrophy, muscle atrophy is a reduction in the volume of striated muscles. Diffuse amyotrophy is observed in cases of significant weight loss. It can also be caused by the lack of muscle use during complete bed rest without compensatory physiotherapy. Localized amyotrophy may result from a disease of the muscle itself in the case of myopathy (a condition affecting muscle fibers), nerve injuries (such as poliomyelitis), circulatory defects (like arteritis), necessary immobilization to heal a bone fracture, or can be caused by painful conditions (such as arthritis or osteoarthritis).