High-Energy Versus Low-Energy Trauma Injuries
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Traumatic Injury Lawyer. The severity of an accident victim’s physical injuries can vary as a result of the amount of energy exerted at the time of the trauma. Traumatic injuries can be caused by either a low-energy or high-energy impact. A great example of this difference can be illustrated by a distal radius fracture. When the injured person presents to the Emergency Department, it may appear to be a simple fracture but based on the energy intensity or the amount of force involved it may be more complex. In general, in low-energy trauma, the course of healing is not as complicated as that which is involved in high-energy trauma injuries, which often require surgery.
Low-Energy Trauma
Injuries to the upper extremity caused by low-energy trauma may cause simple injuries. An example of a low-energy distal radius fracture is when a person falls and lands with an outstretched hand. This low-energy trauma is significant but will likely not lead to huge medical bills and long-term complications. Soft tissue laceration caused by a kitchen knife is another example of low-energy trauma. A simple cut sustained while cooking may be treated by irrigation and suturing. In contrast, laceration injuries suffered from an electric saw would result in far more complex injuries. Such high-energy trauma could result in skin breakdown and necrosis, requiring recurrent debridement or even surgical reconstruction.
High Energy Trauma
High-energy forces of trauma usually lead to more complex injuries. A high-energy distal radius fracture can occur in scenarios such as high-speed motor vehicle accidents or a fall from a second-story window. This type of injury will is caused by a high-force impact on the tissues and bones. The treatment and recovery process will undoubtedly be more complicated than in injuries caused by lesser forces. Often these injuries require surgeries such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to restore a bone to health.
If a low- or high-energy trauma injury has been caused by the negligent actions of someone else, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim for damages.
Additional Links of Interest:
- Arm and Upper Extremity Injuries
- Radius and Ulna Shaft Fractures
- Complications from Delayed Diagnosis of Fractures
- Vehicle Accidents
Sacramento Traumatic Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Traumatic Injury Lawyer. If you have sustained low-energy or high-energy traumatic injuries such as a fracture due to a fall, please call me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. I can also be reached outside of the Sacramento area toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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