Broken bones are some of the most common types of injuries seen in accidents. Regardless of what causes them, though, they can be quite painful and debilitating. Besides the physical toll, the financial and emotional burden can become overwhelming. If you’ve suffered a broken bone in an accident, it helps to know the types, causes, symptoms, and recovery process.
Common Causes
Also called fractures, broken bones can happen during traumatic events and even everyday activities. Here are some of the most common situations in which people break bones.
Car Crashes
Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of broken bones. The impact of a collision can create significant force on the body and lead to fractures in the:
- Arms
- Legs
- Ribs
- Pelvis
- Other areas
In high-speed crashes, several bones can be broken at the same time.
Slips And Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are more common in older adults, though they can happen to anyone when the conditions are right. Falling from a high point like a ladder or staircase often causes severe bone breaks, particularly in the wrists, ankles, and hips.
Work Accidents
Workers in industries like warehousing, manufacturing, and construction frequently face a higher risk of injury. Falls, heavy objects, and equipment accidents can all lead to broken bones, among other forms of physical trauma. Safety protocols help, but people can still get hurt.
Sports And Recreation
Athletes and people who like to play sports for fun are more prone to bone breaks from hard-impact sports, such as soccer, football, skiing, or rugby. Repetitive stress fractures can also happen from overuse and strain on specific bones.
Bicycle And Pedestrian Accidents
In areas like Baton Rouge, pedestrian and rider accidents are a major concern. Collisions with vehicles or obstacles tend to cause broken bones in the lower limbs, ribs, arms, and collarbones.
Assaults Or Physical Trauma
Acts of violence (punches, kicks, weapon use, etc.) can lead to fractures in vulnerable areas of the body. If enough force is used, a bone can easily break in the jaw, ribs, arms, or anywhere else a blow might land.
Types Of Broken Bones
Not all fractures are the same. Though they’re always painful, certain types of breaks are more damaging than others. Left untreated, even minor breaks can lead to long-term complications. Some of the more common kinds of breaks include:
Simple (Closed)
In a simple or closed fracture, the bone breaks but doesn’t puncture the skin. This type of break might seem less severe, but it still requires prompt medical attention.
Compound (Open)
Also known as an open break, a compound fracture occurs when the broken bone pierces the skin. It brings an increased risk of infection and frequently needs to be corrected through surgery.
Greenstick
When the bone bends and partially breaks, you end up with a greenstick fracture. These injuries are common in children since their bones are softer.
Comminuted
In a comminuted break, the bone shatters into multiple pieces. You’ll often see this fracture happen as a result of a high-impact accident. It typically requires complex treatment.
Stress
Over time, repetitive strain or overuse can cause small cracks to form on the bone. Known as a stress fracture, this kind of break is frequently seen in athletes.
Avulsion
When a small piece of bone is pulled away by a tendon or ligament, the resulting injury is called an avulsion fracture. These breaks often arise from sudden, forceful movements in sports.
Hairline
A thin, small crack in the bone is known as a hairline fracture. It’s a less severe break but can be surprisingly painful and still needs rest and proper treatment.
Symptoms
Recognizing the signs of a bone fracture is critical for getting timely medical care.
Some symptoms include:
- Intense pain that gets worse with movement
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the injured area
- Deformity or an unusual positioning of the limb
- Inability to bear weight or use the affected area
- Grinding or cracking sounds at the time of the injury
In cases of open fractures, the bone might be visible through the skin. If that’s the case, the injury needs immediate emergency treatment.
Diagnosis And Treatment
If you suspect a bone fracture, it’s important to get the correct diagnosis on the type so it can be treated properly. Doctors typically do a physical exam and use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to find the break.
Treatment will depend on the severity and type of fracture, but it might involve:
- Casts, splints, or braces to keep the bone in place while it heals
- Weights and pulleys (traction) to realign the bone before it starts to heal
- Surgery (pins, screws, plates, rods, etc.) to stabilize severe fractures
- Physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and function
Recovery time will vary based on where the break is located and how bad it is. However, most fractures heal within six to twelve weeks with proper care.
Potential Complications
Most fractures heal well with rest and time. However, complications do happen sometimes, especially with severe breaks. Some possible issues include:
- Infection: Open fractures carry an increased risk of infection in the bone and surrounding tissues
- Blood Vessel or Nerve Damage: Fractures that happen near major nerves or arteries can cause long-term problems
- Chronic Pain: Improper healing or misalignment can lead to lasting pain or even arthritis
- Delayed Healing: Certain fractures might heal more slowly, especially for people with underlying health conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes
While many bone breaks heal without issue, it helps to be aware of potential complications so you can make sure they’re handled quickly.
What To Do After A Broken Bone Accident
If you’ve been in an accident and suspect that you may have suffered a broken bone, there are certain steps you can take to protect your health and legal rights.
Your health is always the most important thing. Visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible to get checked out and obtain a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Take notes on how the injury happened, and keep video and photo records of the accident scene. If someone else saw the accident, ask for their contact details so you can get a statement from them later.
Even if you feel relatively okay, always stick to the treatments recommended by your doctors. Go to all follow-up appointments and participate in any prescribed physical therapy. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, make sure to contact a lawyer. They’ll help you pursue compensation for any costs related to the accident.
Take The Next Step Toward Recovery
Broken bones can have surprisingly far-reaching consequences. If you or a loved one has suffered a fracture after an accident in Baton Rouge, don’t hesitate to hire legal help. Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today at (888) 601-0127 for a free consultation about your case. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on your recovery.
