A bone fracture is a broken bone and can be a serious injury. Bone fractures often result in the need for long-term healing and sometimes surgery. Many victims of bone fractures require physical therapy to rebuild their strength. In some cases, bone fractures can lead to permanent damage and disability.
Common Causes of Bone Fractures
Bone fractures can be caused by any number of factors, but there are some common causes, including:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents—the trauma of impact caused by a car accident can cause a number of different bone fractures.
- Falls—any type of fall can result in an impact that leads to a bone fracture.
- Nursing Home Falls—because many residents have osteoporosis or other bone conditions, falls in nursing homes can lead to serious bone fractures.
- Bicycle Accidents—because there is no outward protection on a bicycle, accidents frequently involve the trauma of hitting a vehicle or the pavement.
- Motorcycle Accidents—motorcycles also don’t have the protection of a car, so the impact of an accident can cause devastating bone fractures.
Types of Bone Fractures
The severity of a bone fracture usually depends on the amount of force that was applied to the bone. There are many different types of fractures, but some of the most common include:
- Open Fracture—a fracture where a broken piece of the bone sticks out through the skin.
- Stable Fracture—a fracture where the bones are broken but are barely out of place. These types of fractures typically heal faster.
- Transverse Fracture—a fracture with a horizontal fracture line.
- Oblique Fracture—a fracture that has an angled fracture line.
- Comminuted Fracture—a fracture where the bone shatters into three or more pieces.
Treating Bone Fractures
The most common way to treat a bone fracture is to immobilize the bone so that it can heal together. This can be done with a plaster cast or a brace that limits controlled movement. Most fractures are healed with this type of treatment. However, some fractures are more complex and require more intense interventions. External fixation may be used where screws or metal pins are put into the broken bone. Then a stabilizing frame holds the bones in place. Some fractures require surgery and internal fixation. In some cases, rods are inserted through the marrow of the bone to fix it in place. All of these interventions can cause at least temporary disability.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve suffered a bone fracture as a result of someone’s negligence, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your options. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping the injured for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.