Complications of a Colles Fracture
Whenever someone gets behind the wheel of a car, it is essential to place safety first. An auto accident can occur at any time, and these collisions have the potential to lead to serious injuries and even death. One of the most common injuries that people suffer in a motor vehicle accident is a bone fracture. Like the accidents themselves, bone fractures can also range widely in their severity. According to statistics that were recently published in the Journal of Trauma:
- A 4-year prospective study was carried out on bone fractures.
- During the study period, the incidence of long-bone traumatic fractures was more than 400 people per 100,000.
- In people under 50 years of age, traumatic fractures were more common in males.
- In people over 50 years of age, traumatic fractures were more common in females.
- 3 percent of the fractures were open.
- As age increased, the incidence of surgical fixation increased as well.
These statistics demonstrate that bone fractures can happen in anyone and some of these fractures require surgery. One example of a fracture that could be seen in a car accident is the Colles Fracture.
What is a Colles Fracture?
The term “Colles Fracture” is used to describe a fracture of the distal radius in the posterior direction. This means that someone has broken the larger of the two bones of the wrist (with the smaller being the ulna) near the hand. The radius is displaced upward, creating a visible deformity. Typically, this results from trauma to an outstretched, extended hand. This is seen in slip and fall injuries as well as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bike accidents. A Colles Fracture is typically diagnosed using the mechanism of the injury, the physical examination, and confirmed on an x-ray. Some people require surgery to correct this fracture.
Types of Colles Fracture
A Colles Fracture is categorized according to where and how the bone broke. This will help doctors determine what kind of treatment is needed. There are four types of fractures:
- Comminuted Fracture: this fracture occurs when the bone breaks into more than two pieces.
- Extra-articular Fracture: this is a fracture where the joint isn’t affected.
- Intra-articular Fracture: this fracture occurs when the bone breaks into the wrist joint.
- Open Fracture: this is a fracture where the bone breaks through the skin.
Complications of a Colles Fracture
There are several complications that could develop when someone suffers a Colles Fracture. Some of the most severe issues include:
- Persistent nerve damage to the median nerve, ulnar nerve, or radial nerves that could result in motor and sensory dysfunction.
- Ruptures of the tendons in and around the hand, wrist, and forearm.
- Malunion, where the bones of the wrist heal improperly.
- Ischemia of the hand and wrist that result from blood vessel damage.
- The stiffness of the fingers which results in a significant reduction in the range of motion of the digits and their function.
Ultimately, these complications can leave families looking for answers.
Watch YouTube Video: Colles Fracture Overview. The short video below provides an overview of a Colles Fracture, its signs and symptoms and the types of treatment for it.
Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
If a loved one develops complications of a bone fracture following a motor vehicle accident, this can create a lot of uncertainty regarding the future. Some people might require surgery to correct a complication and others could lose the function of that limb. During these difficult times, it is a good idea to reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. An injury lawyer can help families:
- Review the records of the accident to make sure that every detail is considered.
- Help families seek damages related to their injuries, their pain, and their suffering.
- Take the case to court, if needed.
Do not be nervous about asking for help during a difficult time. Speak with a personal injury lawyer in Sacrament today. Your family could be deserving of a financial reward.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. The complications that develop following a fracture of the hand can be severe. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a car accident, call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am a California member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Complications of a Colles Fracture: AutoAccident.com
Image Attribution: The photo at the start of this article is seen in its original form on Unsplash. The image has been reproduced here with permission/Complications of a Colles Fracture.
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