Fractures or broken bones are a common injury in Key Largo. Residents suffer this injury when playing sports, in falls, on the job, and in car collisions. Children can break bones when taking part in school activities or when playing sports or playing on playgrounds.
In some cases, broken bones result in simple fractures. The bone can break cleanly and not tear through the skin. In most cases, a cast can be worn for eight weeks and the bone heals on its own. In the case of hairline fractures, a functional cast can be worn to make mobility even easier. One of the wonderful things about bones is that if they are set and kept immobile enough, our bodies can heal a fracture.
In some cases, patients are not so fortunate. More complex fractures such as compound fractures or those caused by crushing injuries can take months to heal and may require surgery and complex medical treatment. In these situations, patients may wish to consult with a Key Largo fractures claims attorney to find out whether they have a claim.
Crushed Bones
Crushing injuries can happen in traffic collisions or workplace accidents in Key Largo, if a heavy object falls on a part of the body or the body is trapped between two solid objects. Crushing injuries can cause extensive damage to the soft tissue around the bone and can break bones into multiple pieces, which may require surgery to reposition the bones correctly with screws and plates to keep the bones in place.
Crushing injuries can also lead to crush injury compartment syndrome, where the swelling caused by the damage can impede blood flow. This can cause permanent damage to the tissue, loss of mobility, and even fatalities.
The recovery from crushed bones is complex and expensive. You may need to see multiple specialists, including orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, and other professionals for treatment. You may need emergency surgery and ongoing treatment to address both the fractured bones and the tissue injuries.
Compound Fractures
Compound fractures are another serious type of bone break. Also known as open fractures, compound fractures involve a broken bone tearing through the skin. This is dangerous because it can cause extensive bleeding, injuries to the muscle and tissue, and can lead to infection if debris and bacteria enter the wound. In some cases, the bone sticks out of the open wound and can sustain further damage.
Like a crushing injury, an open fracture is a medical emergency. It requires a visit to the emergency room so the skin can be stitched up and the bone can be set. Emergency room doctors can also take steps to reduce the risk of complications such as infection.
As with crushed bones, open fractures can cause the impacted area to swell to the point that blood cannot flow easily and damage can happen to the tissue. Known as compartment syndrome, this condition can cause tissue death and permanent damage to nerves and tissue.
Healing From Serious Bone Fractures in Key Largo
Fortunately, Key Largo is home to leading orthopedic surgeons and other professionals who can help you, even with complex and serious fractures. However, care for a broken bone can be expensive if you have suffered a serious fracture and you may need to lose work and income at the same time as you face medical bills.
If you have suffered a fracture due to someone’s negligence, contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Key Largo bone fracture claims attorney. Our legal team has more than six decades of combined experience and we can tell you whether you have a claim.