Tarsal Fracture
I’m Ed Smith, an Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. The foot is a structure that is made up of many different bones that must function like a well-oiled machine to generate proper movement. Some of the bones that can be fractured are the tarsal bones.
What is a Tarsal Fracture?
The foot has numerous different bones that contribute to its overall working structure. These include the tarsal bones. These bones are made up of many different parts, such as the navicular and cuboid bones, which are at risk of suffering a traumatic injury. A bone fracture that develops in any of these structures is called a tarsal fracture.
Mechanism of Injury
Fractures of the tarsal bones can occur in many different ways. Some of them happen when an external force acts on them directly, such as banging one’s foot on a peice of furniture. In some cases, a person may fall during strenuous activity and impact their tarsal bones. These fractures can also be seen when someone suffers a pedestrian injury while walking across the road and is struck by a bicycle or a car.
Treatment of a Tarsal Fracture
The diagnosis of these fractures is handled in a similar fashion to that of other bone fractures. The patient will be taken for imaging or X-rays. If the bones are small and difficult to see, the patient may receive an MRI to ensure that doctors can accurately identify any fractures. Once any fractures have been diagnosed, the foot will be immobilized to give any fractures space and time to heal.
Possible Complications
The complications and comorbidities which can happen with a tarsal fracture often occur as a secondary injury due to a delayed diagnosis. This means that the fractures could worsen and could result in the injuries healing inappropriately or taking longer to heal.
Structures at Risk
If someone has a break in any of the bones of their foot, then they are at risk for injuring the nerves that run through their foot as well. These nerves control the motor and sensory function of the foot and could be damaged if the nerves are cut.
Differential Diagnosis
There are several different injuries that must be considered when an injury to the foot occurs. These injuries include:
- Fracture of the metatarsal bones
- Tibia fracture
- Calcaneus Fracture
- Femur fracture
- Ligament damage in the foot
- Ankle Fracture
Injury Prognosis
The prognosis for most of these fractures is very good. For most, the foot is immobilized and the healing process runs its course in a few weeks.
Surgery is Rare
Surgery with this type of injury is only required if the fracture is displaced or if other structures are damaged.
Sacramento Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Injury Lawyer in Sacramento. If you or someone you love have been hurt in an accident, please call me for free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400 for (800) 404-5400. I can also be reached online at AutoAccident.com.
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