Type of Injury
Bone fractures are one of the most common types of orthopedic injuries people experience.
These types of injuries are so common that it’s estimated that the average person will experience two bone fractures over the course of their lives.
Every Year,
15%
of all musculoskeletal injuries in the United States involve fractured or broken bones
Common types of bone fractures
Bone fractures can be classified in many different ways. To start with, there are two main types of bone fractures: open/compound fractures and closed fractures. Open/compound fractures occur when a broken bone protrudes through the skin while closed fractures occur when a bone is broken without breaking the skin.
Fractures can be classified even further depending on how exactly the bone is injured:
Hairline Fractures: A fracture that causes a thin break in a bone without fully breaking the bone.
Transverse Fractures: The fracture extends across a bone in a straight line horizontally.
Linear Fractures: A fracture that spans a bone vertically in a straight line.
Spiral Fractures: A type of fracture that wraps around a bone.
Oblique Fractures: Bone fractures that spans a bone diagonally.
Segmental Fractures: Occurs when a bone is broken in two places.
Comminuted Fractures: When a bone is broken in three or more places with fragments present.
Compression Fractures: These fractures occur when a bone is crushed.
Bone fractures in children
Since children don’t have fully developed bones, there are some types of fractures that only occur in children:
Greenstick Fractures: The bone isn’t completely broken, but the accident involved enough force to make the bone bend from the impact.
Buckle Fractures: A type of fracture that occurs when two bones are driven into each other.
Growth Plate Fractures: These fractures impact the section of soft cartilage near the end of bones which are the last part of the bone to harden. If not treated correctly, one limb can end up being crooked or shorter than the other. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates that 15%-30% of all childhood bone fractures are growth plate fractures.
Most commonly broken bones
Any bone in the body can be broken, but certain bones are more vulnerable to being fractured than others. Some of the most commonly broken bones include:
- Collarbone
- Arms (humerus, radius, ulna)
- Bones in the wrist
- Hips
- Legs (tibia, fibula)
Causes of bone fractures
Broken bones can occur for a wide range of reasons, including medical conditions and playing sports. But very often, they’re the result of physical trauma caused by accidents like:
Damages in a broken bone claim
Broken bones can significantly impact your life in many different ways. Even fractures that are relatively easy to treat can still disrupt your life for several weeks while you recover. If you’re considering making a claim over a bone fracture, some types of damages you may be able to collect include:
- Medical expenses, including future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Household assistance
- Pain and suffering
Contact a Los Angeles broken bone & fracture lawyer
If you or a loved one was involved in an accident and suffered a broken bone as a result, one of the best things you can do is contact a broken bone lawyer as soon as possible. Just because bone fractures are common, that doesn’t mean they’re to be taken lightly. At The Wallace Firm, we understand exactly what you’re going through and our broken bone lawyers will be on your side every step of the way. We’re not afraid to stand up to insurance companies that want you to settle for less. We’re in it to help you win all of the compensation you need for your recovery. Contact us today for help with your claim.