Scaphoid Fracture Complications
When someone is involved in a traumatic accident, whether it is an auto accident, bicycle accident, or a motorcycle accident, the injuries could be severe. Some of the statistics that have been published by the Association for the Safety of International Road Travel (ASIRT) have shown that:
- Globally, more than one million people are killed in road traffic accidents every year.
- This is around 3,000 people who are killed per day.
- More than 30 percent of car accidents involve speeding.
- Close to 35 percent of drivers are under the influence of alcohol when the auto accident occurs.
- About 10 percent of drivers are texting and driving at the time of the crash.
Even for those who survive, the potential complications stemming from the traumatic injuries can be severe. One of the most common types of injuries involves those of the hand. Because people often extend their hands to protect themselves, the hands are prone to sustaining injuries. One of these is a fracture of the scaphoid.
How Does a Scaphoid Fracture Occur?
The scaphoid is one of the numerous bones of the hand. Even though these hand bones seem tiny when compared to larger bones, such as the femur, these small bone fractures are still painful. There are a couple of common ways that this injury could occur, such as:
- A slip and fall injury.
- Injuries following a pedestrian accident.
- Striking the hand on the steering wheel, dashboard, or window.
- Colliding with the pavement following a bicycle or motorcycle accident.
This injury is often diagnosed on an x-ray. Quick treatment is important because complications could occur.
What are the Complications that Could Develop?
Doctors will often refer to the area of the scaphoid as the “anatomic snuffbox.” This is an essential area because complications could occur if the injury isn’t treated quickly. Some of these complications include:
- Nonunion of the fracture location.
- The early development of arthritis.
- Avascular necrosis, or death of the bones due to interruption of the blood flow.
- Possible nerve damage.
By seeing a medical professional early, these complications can be prevented. However, there are many other issues that may arise following a serious injury.
Help from a Lawyer
When people have complications of a scaphoid fracture, they could require surgery to address these problems. This might place them in a hospital for an extended period. Some of the concerns that families may have included:
- How the injury will impact their employment status.
- The potential medical complications and logistics of follow-up appointments.
- Health insurance coverage of the medical costs.
- The circumstances surrounding the accident.
Families deserve help in their time of need, which is where a trained personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can be helpful.
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Sacramento Personal Injury Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento. The complications that come with a scaphoid fracture can be serious. 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 member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
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Scaphoid Fracture Complications: 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/ Scaphoid Fracture Complications.
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