Compound Femur Fractures
While driving a car comes with an increased degree of independence, it also comes with a bigger responsibility. According to statistics that were recently published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on teenage drivers:
- In 2016, close to 2,500 teenagers were killed while driving a motor vehicle.
- In addition, close to 300,000 more teenagers sought treatment in an emergency department setting for their injuries.
- Even though teenage drivers represent just over 6 percent of the population, they still account for $13.6 billion in costs related to motor vehicle accidents.
Some of these costs come from surgical procedures which need to be performed to correct injuries. In some cases, this includes repairing a compound fracture of the femur.
What is a Compound Femur Fracture?
The femur is one of the thickest bones in the body. As a result, it also requires a tremendous amount of force to break. This also means that, while femur fractures might not be as common as a wrist or finger fracture, they are often more complicated. A compound fracture can mean several things; however, it is commonly used to describe one of two situations. These are:
- A fracture where a bone fragment has pierced the surface of the skin (also called an open fracture).
- A fracture where the bone has been broken in multiple places (also called a comminuted fracture).
Regardless, it is easy to see how a compound femur fracture creates a serious, and potentially deadly, situation. Bone fragments that are out of place can damage nerves, arteries, and veins, leading to life-threatening complications.
How is a Compound Femur Fracture Repaired?
A compound fracture is an emergency, especially if active bleeding is taking place. In these situations, the first step is to make sure that the patient is stabilized. Bleeding needs to be stopped. Fluid loss needs to be corrected. Antibiotics are given because the opening in the skin creates a portal for infection. After this, these fractures are typically repaired surgically. The individual is taken to an operating room, put to sleep, and the bone fragments are put back into place by a trained orthopedic surgeon. The bones are held in place using screws and plates. Typically, this equipment is left in place for the rest of the individual’s life. With extensive rehab and therapy, most individuals will make a full recovery.
Watch YouTube Video: Compound Femur Fracture. This educational video discusses a compound femur fracture and its causes and treatment of the injury.
Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer
When a serious accident occurs, the injuries that are sustained can be every bit as serious. Sometimes, these require surgery to repair, which can be accompanied by numerous complications. In these situations, meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento can be helpful. Some of the ways that an injury lawyer can help include:
- Providing a steady presence in the room to help guide families through a challenging decision-making process.
- Consulting with accident professionals to recreate how the accident occurred, ensuring that liability has been assigned appropriately.
- Helping clients seek damages related to their injuries, pain, and suffering.
- Taking a case to court, if necessary.
When families are going through a stressful situation, it is important to ask for help. Take some time to see how a compassionate injury lawyer can help both you and your family. You and your loved ones might be deserving of financial compensation.
Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyers
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Femur Fracture Lawyer. Compound femur fractures often require a major surgical procedure to repair. 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 pleased to be a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Feel free to see our verdicts or settlements here.
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Compound Femur Fractures: 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/ Compound Femur Fractures.
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