6 Types of Bone Fractures That Can Affect Injury Victims
When a person is involved in an accident, such as a car crash or a slip and fall accident, bone fractures are some of the most common injuries that can occur. Broken bones can cause severe pain and limit a person’s mobility, and they often require extensive medical treatment. If you have sustained a bone fracture in an accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney who focuses on helping injury victims seek compensation for their damages. With a legal advocate on your side, you can make sure your rights will be protected, and they can fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.
Common Types of Bone Fractures
There are several different types of bone fractures that can occur depending on the force applied to the bone and its location within the body:
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Simple Fracture (Closed Fracture): This type of fracture occurs when the broken bone does not penetrate through the skin. It often causes pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility in the injured area. Simple fractures will usually be able to heal once the broken parts of the bone are aligned and held in place with a splint or a cast. However, the healing process can take several months, and during that time, a person may be unable to fully use the parts of the body that were affected.
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Compound Fracture (Open Fracture): Unlike simple fractures, compound fractures involve broken bones that protrude through the skin. These types of fractures carry a higher risk of infection, because germs can enter the body through the wound and affect the surrounding tissues.
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Comminuted Fracture: This type of fracture occurs when the bone shatters into multiple pieces. These injuries can be challenging to treat, and surgery may be required to realign the broken fragments.
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Spiral Fracture: When rotational or twisting forces are applied to a bone, a fracture may not be a simple, straight break. In these cases, the fracture line spirals around the bone, often causing severe pain and potential nerve or blood vessel damage.
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Compression Fracture: This type of fracture commonly occurs in vertebrae within the spine. Pressure placed on these bones can cause them to become crushed. Compression fractures in the spine can lead to chronic back pain, limited mobility, and even spinal deformities if left untreated.
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Stress Fracture: Stress fractures are small cracks in bones caused by repetitive stress or overuse. They commonly affect athletes or people who engage in high-impact activities. The forces placed on the body in an accident may exacerbate these injuries, making fractures worse and leading to severe pain and loss of mobility.
Contact Our San Jose Broken Bone Injury Attorney
If you have experienced any type of bone fracture due to an accident caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to recover compensation from the person or parties who were responsible. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your injury and the ways you have been affected, you may be compensated for medical expenses, any income lost while recovering from your injury, other financial damages, and the pain and suffering you have experienced. To learn how our dedicated Santa Clara County bone fracture lawyer can help you recover financial compensation, contact Law Office of John J. Garvey, III at 408-293-7777 and schedule a free consultation today.
Sources:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/fractures-broken-bones/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/fractures