Orthopedic Injuries After a Car Accident

Car accidents are a common cause of orthopedic injuries, which involve the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. These injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to severe fractures and dislocations. A serious orthopedic injury can cause you to lose time off work, as well as a fortune in medical bills. It’s important to understand everything you can about your or your loved one’s injuries, especially in the event of a lawsuit.

Causes of orthopedic injuries in car accidents

Orthopedic injuries in car accidents can result from a variety of mechanisms, including:

• Sudden deceleration: Car accidents often involve rapid deceleration or abrupt stops. When a vehicle comes to a sudden halt, the occupants’ bodies continue moving, causing significant forces to act on the musculoskeletal system. This can lead to various injuries.
• Direct trauma: Collisions, especially high-impact ones, can directly impact the occupants’ bodies. These impacts can result in fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries.
• Seat belt injuries: While seat belts save lives, they can also cause orthopedic injuries. In a collision, the seat belt may restrain the body, leading to chest, abdominal, and even spinal injuries.
• Airbag deployment: Airbags deploy rapidly to protect occupants during a crash. However, the force of an airbag deployment can lead to injuries, particularly to the upper body and arms.
• Ejection from the vehicle: Being ejected from a vehicle during an accident significantly increases the risk of severe orthopedic injuries. This is why wearing a seat belt is crucial.

Types of orthopedic injuries in car accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of orthopedic injuries, from sprains and strains to fractures and dislocations. More severe injuries, however, typically affect your neck and spine. A slipped or compressed disc can get worse over time, so you want to get it treated quickly.

The same is true if you fracture or damage any vertebrae. A cracked or fractured vertebra can potentially damage the spinal cord, which could lead to temporary or permanent paralysis. You’ll want to get yourself to a doctor quickly for the appropriate tests.

Crush injuries are another serious threat. In some accidents, the vehicle may be crushed or mangled, leading to severe physical trauma that can affect multiple body parts. High-impact accidents can lead to traumatic amputations, which require immediate medical attention and potentially prosthetic devices.

Diagnosing orthopedic injuries

Prompt and accurate diagnosis of orthopedic injuries is critical to ensure proper treatment and prevent long-term complications. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and medical imaging. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Physical examination: A thorough physical examination by a medical professional is the first step in assessing potential orthopedic injuries. Your doctor will look for signs of swelling, deformities, tenderness, and limited range of motion.
• X-rays: X-rays are frequently used to visualize bone fractures and dislocations. They provide detailed images of the skeletal system, helping to determine the location and extent of the injury.
• CT scans: Computed tomography (CT) scans provide more detailed images than X-rays and are useful for assessing complex fractures and spinal injuries.
• MRI scans: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly helpful for evaluating soft tissue injuries, such as ligament and muscle tears, as well as spinal cord injuries.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is sometimes used to assess soft tissue injuries, especially in the case of musculoskeletal conditions like tendon injuries.
• Clinical history: A detailed patient history is essential for understanding the circumstances of the accident, the mechanism of injury, and any pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions that might complicate the diagnosis.

Treating orthopedic injuries

The treatment of orthopedic injuries after a car accident depends on the type and severity of the injury. Here are some common treatments:

• Immobilization: In the case of fractures and dislocations, immobilization is often the first step. This may involve casting, splinting, or the use of orthopedic braces to keep the injured area stable.
• Reduction: Dislocations often require a reduction procedure, where a healthcare provider manipulates the bones back into their normal positions. This is typically performed under anesthesia.
• Surgery: Fractures that cannot be effectively treated with immobilization alone may require surgery. Internal fixation (using plates, screws, or rods) is common to stabilize the bones.
• Physical therapy: Rehabilitation through physical therapy is essential for restoring mobility, strength, and function after orthopedic injuries. Physical therapists design personalized exercise programs to aid in recovery.
• Pain management: Pain management strategies may involve medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids for severe pain, as well as non-pharmacological approaches like hot/cold therapy or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
• Occupational therapy: In cases of severe injuries that affect daily living activities, occupational therapy can help individuals regain their independence.
• Casting and bracing: Casting and bracing are commonly used to support and protect injured areas. This can promote proper healing and prevent further injury.
• Amputation rehabilitation: In cases of traumatic amputation, individuals require specialized rehabilitation to learn to use prosthetic devices and regain functional independence.
• Psychotherapy: The psychological impact of orthopedic injuries, especially in the context of a traumatic car accident, is significant. Psychotherapy can help individuals cope with the emotional and mental challenges associated with their injuries.
• Assistive devices: Some individuals may require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, or canes to facilitate mobility during their recovery.

What are the long-term complications of orthopedic injuries?

Orthopedic injuries from car accidents can lead to various complications and long-term effects. Some of the potential complications include:

• Chronic pain: Chronic pain can develop as a result of orthopedic injuries and may persist long after the initial accident.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Some individuals may develop arthritis in the affected joints years after the injury.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): This condition can be a long-term consequence of orthopedic injuries and is characterized by chronic pain and disability.
• Functional impairment: Severe orthopedic injuries can result in long-term functional impairment, affecting an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and work.
• Psychological impact: The emotional and psychological impact of orthopedic injuries, especially those sustained in traumatic accidents, can lead to long-lasting mental health challenges.

Preventing orthopedic injuries in car accidents

While accidents can happen unexpectedly, there are several measures individuals can take to reduce the risk of orthopedic injuries in car accidents:

• Seat belt use: Always wear a seat belt while in a vehicle, and ensure that all passengers are buckled up as well.
• Child Safety Seats: Use appropriate child safety seats and ensure they are correctly installed to protect young passengers.
• Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. Avoid using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions while driving.
• Defensive Driving: Be aware of your surroundings, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and drive defensively to minimize the risk of accidents.
• Obey Traffic Laws: Follow speed limits, traffic signals, and other traffic laws to reduce the likelihood of collisions.
• Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other impairing substances.
• Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained, with functional brakes, tires, and safety features.
• Wear Helmets: For motorcyclists and bicyclists, wearing helmets is crucial for head injury prevention.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with safety guidelines and information regarding vehicle safety features.

Orthopedic injuries after a car accident can have a profound impact on your life, even when you know you may eventually heal from them. Philbrook Law is here to help, no matter the severity of your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with one of our car accident lawyers in Battle Ground and Vancouver, WA, call our office or submit our contact form. We help clients in Washington and Oregon.