Femur Fracture Nerve Damage
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. The femur is one of the thickest bones in the body. Making up the thigh and upper leg, it provides a significant amount of support for the rest of the body. Because of this, a considerable amount of force is required to cause a bone fracture to occur in the femur. While it may take about six weeks to heal a broken bone, some complications might happen. Some of the difficulties include:
- Infection-related to the puncture of the skin
- Earlier development of arthritis
- Possible blood loss with an open fracture
- A loss of mobility related to the bone damage
- Possible stunting of growth in children
- Nerve damage related to the fracture
Nerve damage related to a bone fracture is often overlooked because other complications might be more common. However, unlike these other problems, nerve damage could be permanent. With a femur fracture, there are many different ways that this nerve damage can occur. According to studies published in the medical literature:
- Compartment syndrome can affect development with a femur fracture. Swelling in response to the fracture can compress the nerves that run through the femur.
- Irritation of the nerves related to either the fracture or the treatment can cause chronic pain.
- If the femur splinters, these fragments can cut some of the nerves that run through the upper leg. The results of this type of nerve injury could be permanent.
Because of the potential severity of this nerve damage, it is essential for people to understand how these symptoms develop and the treatment options that are available.
Symptoms of Femur Fracture Nerve Damage
There are a variety of symptoms that might develop and they vary depending on the type and location of the nerve that has been damaged. With compartment syndrome, people may notice tingling of the upper and lower leg. They may also see swelling of the upper thigh. This tingling could eventually progress to pain and paralysis if the swelling continues.
If a complete transaction of the nerves has occurred, the symptoms may be more abrupt. People may notice a total loss of sensation in a part of their leg. This comes from a sensory nerve being damaged. If a motor nerve has been cut, precise movements of the leg may be restricted. For example, if the femoral nerve has been reduced, people may have significant trouble going down the stairs because their knee may give out. This is a function that used to be controlled by the femoral nerve and without this nerve, going downstairs becomes difficult.
Treatment of Femur Fracture Nerve Damage
Depending on the type of damage that has occurred, the treatment is going to vary. With compartment syndrome, the treatment is a surgical procedure called a fasciotomy. This will relieve the swelling building up inside of the compartment and relieve the pressure on the nerves. For people with chronic pain, the treatment could be long-term pain medication. It is essential for everyone to remember that these medications can be addictive and people should only take them if necessary. When someone has sustained a femur fracture, it is critical to sit down with a Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento. A lawyer has the tools to help families receive the help that they need.
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I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. If you have suffered nerve damage following a femur fracture, call me at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free friendly legal advice. You can also contact me online.
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