There are many different types of bone fractures, each one with its own unique challenges and prognoses. If you have been diagnosed with a specific type of bone fracture, knowing your treatment options can aid in your recovery and improve your long-term prognosis. This information can also help you understand the type of compensation you may be available to receive if another party is at fault for your injury.
Types of Bone Fractures
Understanding the different types of bone fractures can help you better grasp your diagnosis and the potential treatment options. Here are five common types of bone fractures and what they mean.
Stable Fracture
A stable fracture occurs when the broken ends of the bone line up and are only slightly out of place. Because the broken bone ends are still in alignment, surgical intervention is typically unnecessary, and the healing process is generally straightforward. Treatment typically involves immobilization with a cast or brace to keep the bone in place while it heals.
Open or Compound Fracture
An open or compound fracture is a severe injury where the broken bone pierces through the skin or a wound penetrates down to the broken bone. This type of fracture is more serious than a closed fracture because it exposes the bone and surrounding tissues to the environment, increasing the risk of infection. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to clean the wound, realign the bone, and stabilize it with hardware such as plates, screws, or rods.
Transverse Fracture
A transverse fracture is a break that occurs in a straight line across the bone, perpendicular to the bone’s long axis. This type of fracture is often the result of a direct blow or bending force. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture but may involve immobilization with a cast or brace. Some cases require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bone.
Oblique Fracture
An oblique fracture is a break that occurs at an angle to the bone’s long axis, typically around 30 to 45 degrees. This type of fracture is often due to a combination of bending and twisting forces. Treatment usually involves immobilization with a cast or brace to keep the bone in place while it heals. Surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bone.
Comminuted Fracture
A comminuted fracture is a break where the bone shatters into three or more pieces. This type of fracture is often the result of high-impact trauma, such as a car accident or a fall from a significant height. Comminuted fractures are more difficult to set because of the number of pieces involved. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention to realign the pieces and stabilize the bone with hardware such as plates, screws, or rods. Recovery time for comminuted fractures is often longer due to the severity of the injury.
Compensation Available in Bone Fracture Claims
If someone else was to blame for your broken bone, that person may owe you compensation for your:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injury, its impact on your life, and the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Contact Our Central New York & Syracuse Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you have suffered a bone fracture due to another party’s negligence, you may be feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next. However, you should know that you have legal options to recover compensation for your losses. While the road to recovery can be challenging, the compassionate personal injury team at CDH Law PLLC has the experience and skills to handle every aspect of your claim. Contact us today for a free consultation with a broken bones lawyer in Syracuse, and let us put our many decades of combined legal experience to work for you.