Car accident victims commonly suffer from fractures or broken bones. The impact and force of a car crash can lead to physical trauma that will need immediate medical attention. Fractured bones from a car accident may happen when the victim is ejected from the car, is at the receiving end of a forceful impact, or is crushed by a solid article such as a car part, an airbag, or the pavement.
Bone fractures vary in severity, depending on the type of fracture and the location of the injury. It can be a closed fracture, wherein the broken bones do not cause a tear in the tissues or skin, or an open or compound fracture, wherein the broken bones are exposed and at the patient is at risk of contamination and infection.
According to experts in Ritecare auto clinic, Hialeah, the following are some of the commonly fractured bones in a car accident:
1. The Tibia or Fibula Fracture
The tibia and fibula are the long bones found in the lower legs. In a study in the journal Acta Ortopedica Brasileira, tibial open fractures occur in 48.2 percent of vehicular accident victims.
Aside from surgery to set the bones back in place and casting to immobilize the leg, treating a lower leg fracture will also require tetanus shot and antibiotics to prevent an infection. The patient may need to be in a cast, brace or splint for a few more weeks. Physical therapy is also necessary after the operation.
The recovery time for a tibia or fibula fracture ranges from four to six months, although some patients can heal faster depending on their general health.
2. Femur Fracture
The femur, also known as the thigh bone, is fractured more often than expected in a car crash. This bone is also very vascular and patients can lose up to 1.5 liters of blood from a closed femur fracture. In a comparative analysis of 471 victims of motor vehicle accidents, 64 percent of those aged 16 to 30 suffered from a middle femur fracture.
After orthopedic surgery, which is the usual course of action, patients are usually advised to undergo physiotherapy to regain the function of their lower limb. The recovery period is around four to six months, during which time patients also have to watch out for potential complications like fat embolism, which can develop as a result of femur fracture.
3. Rib Fracture
Broken ribs may be caused by airbag deployment or seatbelt resistance. A rib fracture is usually a closed fracture. According to experts in Ritecare medical center in Hialeah, patients with rib fractures may suffer from bruising, difficulty breathing, and chest pains following the accident. Victims who have no visible sign of a fracture must undergo a thorough check to detect any problem as soon as possible. Treating rib fractures may require surgery but in some cases, the ribs often heal themselves within six weeks.
Learn more about Ritecare auto clinic in Hialeah
If you have been involved in an auto accident, we strongly encourage you to visit Ritecare medical center in Hialeah for a thorough medical evaluation. Contact Us today to receive the care that you need and deserve. For your convenience, you can book an appointment online. For inquiries, call us at (305) 200-1225.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
