FRACTURES AND BROKEN BONES INJURY LAWYERS

TYPES OF FRACTURES

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS OFTEN REFER TO A FRACTURE WITH ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS:

• Single Fracture: When a bone is broken in only one place
• Complete Fracture: When it is clear that the bone is broken into two separate pieces
• Bending Fracture: An unusual bend in a bone without actual cracking. This is rare but may occur in children
• Hairline Fracture: This is a thin break in a bone. The bone is not completely broken
• Greenstick Fracture: A break in a bone limited to only one side. The bone is broken, but the break does not go across the entire bone
• Comminuted Fracture: Sometimes called a shatter fracture or crushed bone fracture, in which the bone is broken into more than two pieces. Often, traumatic events like automobile accidents cause these fractures
• Open Fracture: This can result from significant trauma, such as a serious automobile collision or gunshot wound. In an open fracture, the bone penetrates the skin. Typically, this fracture requires surgery and creates a risk of infection to the bone and the area surrounding the wound

If you or a loved one suffered a broken bone that may have been caused by the fault of another person or product, contact us as soon as possible.

TREATMENT OF BROKEN BONES

Sometimes, injury victims need additional tools to help themselves get back on their feet after a bad fracture. Often people use a walking aide, like a cane, crutches, or possibly a walker. To be safe and effective, the walking aide must be the proper height and dimensions for the person using it. You should consult a physician before using one of these assistive devices, to find out the way to use it properly while recovering from injury.

For serious breaks, the most common treatment methods are Reductions and Casts.

REDUCTIONS

To treat a fracture, a physician may need to perform a "reduction." This is a procedure to line up the broken pieces of the bone and set them back into place, so that it can heal properly. After a reduction procedure, the natural regenerative aspects of the bone will bring back a solid unity to the spot of the fracture. The cells on the ends of the bones and the blood vessels cause this healing process to occur over time.

Some reductions are classified as closed reductions and others as open reductions.

A doctor performs a closed reduction and can create unity between bone pieces, without surgery.

Severe fractures, like a comminuted fracture or an open fracture, require a surgical procedure called an open reduction. The procedure often involves the placement of "hardware," such as pins, metal plates, or metal rods, to hold together the badly broken bones.

After the bones heal, the doctor may do another surgery, to remove the metal pieces. In other cases, the hardware remains in place to ensure the integrity of the injured bone.

Regardless of the type of fracture that you or a loved one may have suffered, medical science has made tremendous strides in providing treatments to minimize the damage caused.

CASTS

Casts are the most common tool used to help a fracture heal. Today, casts are made of many different types of material, including the traditional plaster variety, as well as modern materials like fiberglass. The purpose of a cast is to eliminate or reduce motions that could worsen the fracture while it is healing.

If you are wearing a cast that seems too tight or unbearably uncomfortable, consult your doctor immediately. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a serious condition that may arise from an improperly monitored or applied cast.

When a cast comes off, it often leaves behind dry and peeling skin. The muscles in that area may appear visibly weaker, due to lack of use during the healing process. To rebuild muscle strength, seek medical advice on specific exercises that will strengthen the affected area without causing further injury to the healing bone.

If you or a loved one suffered a broken bone that may have been caused by the fault of another person or product, contact us as soon as possible.

WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BONES STRONG

Prevention is always the best tool in the battle against fractures and other serious injuries. Eat a healthy diet, exercise, and always wear seat belts when traveling in an automobile. Make certain your child wears a helmet and other protective gear when biking or roller-skating. These simple steps may provide the extra protection needed to prevent injury when the unexpected occurs.

In general, bones are resistant to fracture. Healthy bones usually have the ability to absorb the traumatic jolt of a sudden force. However, a very strong trauma or force may exceed their natural resilience and cause a fracture.

Bones are living tissue and tend to grow rapidly during childhood. After you reach maturity, it still is important to care for your bones. A balanced diet that is rich in calcium helps build and maintain healthy bones. This is especially true for women, who often suffer diminished bone strength after menopause. Check with your doctor about the best bone-healthy diet for you.

Another way to maintain the health of your bones is regular exercise. Activity builds build bone density and overall bone strength. Talk with your physician about the exercise program that is right for you.

If you or a loved one suffered a broken bone that may have been caused by the fault of another person or product, contact us as soon as possible.