Not just a broken bone: a Kansas City injury victim’s guide to bone fractures.

A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a discontinuity, or break, in the bone. Bone fractures are usually caused by a high force impact, for example the impact on the body during a car crash, but they can also be caused by certain medical conditions such as osteoporosis where the bone is weakened.

Broken bone is a term commonly used to describe a bone fracture. There are 206 bones in an adult’s body and any one of these bones may be broken in an accident. The leading causes of bone fractures are slip and falls accidents, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and child abuse.

Fractured bones are usually diagnosed by a medical professional. Symptoms may include:

• A visible out-of-place or misshapen bone
• Swelling, bruising, and/or bleeding
• Intense pain
• Numbness and tingling
• Broken skin with bone sticking out
• Limb does not move or is difficult to move

If an accident victim shows signs of a bone fracture, do not move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary. Wait for medical assistance.

Fractures are broken into two categories: closed fractures and open fractures.

Closed fractures or simple fractures are those where the skin is intact. The bone is inside the body and does not come into contact with the air.

In open fractures or compound fractures, the skin is broken and the bone is exposed. This puts the injury at risk for contamination or infection.

Types of fractures:

1. Complete fracture: A fracture in which the bone is broken so two or more parts are completely separated from each other.
2. Incomplete fracture: A fracture in which bone parts are still partly joined.
3. Linear fracture: A fracture that goes along the long part of the bone.
4. Transverse fracture: A fracture that goes across the bone perpendicular (at right angles) to the long side of the bone.
5. Oblique fracture: A fracture that occurs at an angle to the long side of the bone.
6. Spiral fracture: A fracture where at least one part of the bone has been twisted.
7. Comminuted fracture: A fracture in which the bone is broken into mant pieces
8. Compacted fracture: A fracture in which bone fragments are driven into each other

Broken bones are very painful. Depending on the bone broken and the complexity of the injury, healing may be quick or may take months. Bones usually have to be immobilized (kept motionless)so the fracture can heal. Simple breaks can be held in place with a cast, more complex breaks may require surgery and the insertion of surgical nails, plates, screws and wires to hold the fragments in place. Infection of the bone is a big risk for those that require surgery.

Some broken bones cannot be repaired and the victim will require an implant or bone grafting. Occasionally, bones heal in a deformed way or require amputation.

Broken bones are serious injuries and should not be underestimated.

The Kansas City personal injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys represent victims of accident and injury in Missouri and Kansas. If you have been injured due to the recklessness or negligence of another and you need help with medical bills and related expenses, contact our office and request our free book, 10 Essential Steps You Must Take to Protect Your Injury Claim. If you need additional assistance, call 1-888-348-2616 to schedule a free consultation with a Missouri personal injury lawyer.

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