A bone fractureis a medical condition in which a bone breaks. This is typically from trauma or from an injury, but occasionally happens naturally during the aging process.
There are several different types of fractures and they are classified as closed or open (compound) and simple or multi-fragmentary (formerly comminuted).
Closed fractures are those in which the skin is intact, while open (compound) fractures involve wounds that communicate with the fracture and may expose bone to contamination. Because open fractures carry an elevated risk of infection, they are often treated with antibiotics and require prompt surgical treatment.
Simple fractures are fractures that occur along one line, splitting the bone into two pieces, while multi-fragmentary fractures involve the bone splitting into multiple pieces. A simple, closed fracture is much easier to treat and has a much better prognosis than an open, contaminated fracture.
Other types of fracture are:
Complete Fracture- A fracture in which bone fragments separate completely.
Incomplete Fracture- A fracture in which the bone fragments are still partially joined.
Linear Fracture- A fracture that is parallel to the bone's long axis.
Transverse Fracture- A fracture that is at a right angle to the bone's long axis.
Oblique Fracture- A fracture that is diagonal to a bone's long axis.
Compression Fracture-A fracture that usually occurs in the vertebrae.
Spiral Fracture- A fracture where at least one part of the bone has been twisted.
Comminuted Fracture- A fracture causing many fragments.
Compacted Fracture- A fracture caused when bone fragments are driven into each other
Open Fracture- A fracture when the bone reaches the skin
Bug fracture- A fracture when the bone is in place, but the fracture has the appearance of a crushed insect.
Bones that frequently fracture are the following:
(1) Humerus
(2) Radias/Ulna
(3) Femur
(4) Tibia/Fibula
(5) Spine
(6) Pelvis
(7) Clavicle
(8) Scapula
Other common fractures are of the wrist, elbow, bones in the hands, and small bones in the feet. Treatment varies depending on the location of the bone and severity of the fracture, but they often require surgery by a skilled orthopaedic surgeon. After surgery, a fracture is often casted or stabilized with a fixator, either internal or external.
A personal injury settlement or verdict amount for a person who suffered a bone fracture often depends on the type of fracture, the type of treatment, the period of recovery, and the nature of the disability caused by the fracture. An extensive understanding of fractures is necessary for an attorney to achieve the best result for the client.
If you suffered a bone fracture in an accident, you should contact our firm immediately. Do I have a case? 1-800-606-1717
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