Car accidents can lead to injuries of all kinds, from bruises and minor cuts to life-altering conditions. Among the most common and painful injuries sustained in car crashes are broken bones and fractures. If you suffered a fracture due to a car accident, you could be facing a long road to recovery. Understanding the types of fractures, treatment options, and potential complications can help you better manage this challenging situation.
Most Common Bones Broken in Car Accidents
Some of the most commonly broken bones car accident cause are fractures from the whiplash during the accident. Some car accident fractures occur more often than others. These injuries include:
- Femur fractures: The thighbone, or femur, is the longest and strongest bone in the body. However, the immense force of a car crash can cause this bone to break. Femur fractures often result from head-on collisions or side-impact crashes. The force of the impact can cause the femur to snap, leading to severe pain, and swelling, leaving the injured person unable to bear weight on the affected leg. Treatment for a femur fracture usually involves a surgical procedure to insert a metal rod or plate to stabilize the bone.
- Hip fractures: The hip joint connects the femur to the pelvis. In a car accident, a hip fracture can happen as a result of a direct blow to the side of the hip or from the knee striking the dashboard. Hip fractures are particularly dangerous for older individuals, as they can lead to complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and even death. Treatment often involves surgery to repair or replace the damaged hip joint, followed by extensive physical therapy.
- Wrist fractures: Wrist fractures commonly happen when a driver grips the steering wheel tightly during a collision. The wrist is made up of several small bones, any of which can break. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the wrist. Treatment may involve a cast or surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.
Other frequently broken bones car accident causes can include ribs, arms, legs, ankles, and collarbones. Rib fractures can be particularly painful, as they make breathing and moving difficult. Arm and leg fractures can limit mobility and require extensive rehabilitation. Collarbone fractures often result from the seatbelt’s force during a collision.
Types of Fractures
Fractures can vary in severity and complexity. Some common types of fractures include:
- Stable fractures: The bone breaks cleanly, and the ends remain aligned. These fractures often heal well with a cast or brace to immobilize the affected area.
- Displaced fractures: This fracture results when a bone snaps into two or more pieces, and the ends no longer line up correctly. Surgery is usually required to realign the bone fragments and secure them with hardware such as pins, screws, or plates.
- Comminuted fractures: The bone shatters into multiple fragments. These fractures are often the result of high-impact collisions and can be challenging to treat. Surgery is usually necessary to reconstruct the bone and stabilize it with hardware.
- Open (compound) fractures: The broken bone pierces the skin, increasing the risk of infection. Open fractures require immediate medical attention to clean the wound and prevent infection. Surgery is often necessary to repair the bone and soft tissue damage.
Other types of fractures include greenstick fractures (partial fractures more common in children), stress fractures (tiny cracks due to repeated stress), spiral fractures (fractures that occur from twisting), and pathologic fractures (fractures due to underlying conditions such as osteoporosis or cancer).
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Treatment Options
Fractured or broken bone treatment depends on the type and area of the body where the fracture occurred. In some cases, a cast or brace may suffice to keep and hold the bone stable while it heals. More severe fractures may require surgery to reposition and secure the bone with pins, screws, or plates.
After the initial treatment, physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process. Therapy can help you regain flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the affected area. Your therapist will lead you through exercises and stretches to prevent stiffness and promote proper healing. Physical therapy may involve techniques such as manual therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to reduce pain and inflammation.
In addition to physical therapy, your physical therapist may prescribe medications to manage pain and prevent complications such as blood clots or infections. You may also need to modify your daily activities and use assistive devices such as crutches or a wheelchair to avoid putting weight on the affected area.
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Potential Complications
Fractures can lead to various complications, especially if left untreated or if the treatment is delayed. These complications may include:
- Infections, particularly in open fractures
- Nerve or blood vessel damage
- Arthritis or joint stiffness
- Chronic pain, such as traumatic brain injury
Seeking prompt medical attention and following your doctor’s instructions can help minimize the risk of these complications. Regular follow-up appointments and imaging tests can help your doctor monitor the healing process and identify potential problems early on. Check your medical condition frequently and wait for when the bone heals to heal properly. Older people can also have more fractures than younger adults, as their bones can be more brittle due to aging.
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Care for Your Mental Health
Even if you’re already recovering from broken bones, car accident injuries can be a lengthy and challenging process. In addition to physical pain and limitations, you may experience emotional stress and financial strain, especially if your injury prevents you from returning to work. It’s essential to have a strong support system and to take care of your mental health during this time.
After a car accident that injured you, you may feel frustrated, anxious, or depressed as you navigate the healing process. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and loved ones about your feelings and concerns. Consider seeking support from a mental health professional or joining a support group for car accident survivors.
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If your fracture resulted from a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC has extensive experience helping car accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. We can get you more than the average settlement for broken bone in car accident claims, giving you the best results.
With a team of dedicated Memphis car accident lawyers and a focus on client care, we can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a fracture can take on you and your family. Contact us online or call us today at (901) 526-2126 for a free consultation.
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