Approximately two million fractures occur annually in the United States due to car accidents . The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fractures are among the most common injuries in car crashes, with the upper extremities, lower extremities, and ribs being the most frequently affected areas.

Fractures are categorized based on their characteristics and severity as follows:

• A simple fracture, also known as a closed fracture, occurs when the bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.
• A compound fracture, also known as an open fracture, involves the bone breaking through the skin, increasing the risk of infection.
• Greenstick fractures, common in children, occur when the bone bends and cracks rather than breaking completely.
• Comminuted fractures involve the bone-shattering into three or more pieces, often requiring surgical intervention.
• Transverse fractures feature a horizontal break across the bone.
• Oblique fractures have an angled pattern and are less stable than transverse fractures.
• Spiral fractures are caused by a twisting force that encircles the bone.

Car accidents can cause fractures in different ways. The force and impact during a collision can lead to significant stress on bones, resulting in fractures. One example is a direct impact, where bones can fracture when a part of the body strikes a hard surface, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, or door.

Compression from the force of a collision can compress the spine, leading to vertebral fractures; sudden, violent twisting of the body during an accident can cause spiral fractures. Ejection from a vehicle can lead to multiple fractures due to the sudden, strong impact on the ground or other objects.

Recognizing the symptoms of a fracture is important for prompt medical attention. Common signs include:

• Intense pain at the injury site
• Swelling and bruising
• Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of a limb
• Inability to move the affected area
• Numbness or tingling
• Bone protruding through the skin

Common treatment options for fractures include immobilization using a cast, splint, or brace to keep the bone in place while it heals. Traction may be used to apply a pulling force to align the bone correctly. In serious cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and fix the bone with metal rods, plates, or screws. Physical therapy is often required to restore strength and mobility to the affected area.

The healing time for fractures depends on the type of fracture, its location, the patient’s age, and their overall health. Generally, bone healing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Simple fractures may heal in six to eight weeks, while more severe fractures may require a longer recovery period.

Fractures can lead to complications, particularly when not treated promptly and properly.

• Infections are common, particularly in compound fractures where the bone breaks through the skin.
• Delayed union, where the bone takes longer than usual to heal, and nonunion, where the bone fails to heal, can occur.
• Malunion, where the bone heals improperly, can lead to deformity or dysfunction.
• Fragments of bone can damage surrounding nerves or blood vessels.
• A fracture involving a joint can lead to arthritis in the affected joint.

If you or a loved one suffered a fracture in a car accident in Mount Laurel or the surrounding areas, the Mount Laurel car accident lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman offer free consultations. To learn more, submit our online form or call our Mount Laurel, New Jersey, office at 856-751-2345 . We also serve clients in Burlington County and surrounding areas.

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