What are the Most Common Orthopedic Injuries?
When it comes to orthopedic injuries, the damage can be long-term or even permanent. A common misconception about orthopedic injuries is that they only involve broken bones, but this is not always the case.
Often, the orthopedic injuries most responsible for chronic pain and ongoing treatment pertain to tendons, ligaments, and discs. Injuries targeting the joints and bones can cause treatment to drag on for years. This can mean mounting medical costs and more time away from work.
If you or someone you love has suffered an orthopedic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should speak with an orthopedic or broken bone personal injury lawyer right away.
To help give you more insight on your situation, here are five of the most common types of orthopedic injuries described in Arizona personal injury claims.
Knee Injuries
Patella fractures (broken knee caps) are common in car accidents, due to the fact that the victim is usually in the sitting position with the knees pointed forward. The knee cap protects the tendons and ligaments in the knee, and it is extremely painful when it is broken.
However, the bone is not the only part of the knee that is susceptible to severe injury. For example, a torn ACL or meniscus can easily occur in the workplace if your work involves physical exertion, heavy lifting, or even the possibility of falling from high places. Additionally, damage to the knee cap rarely leaves these other muscles unaffected.
Neck Injuries
Whiplash is perhaps the most common injury in a vehicular accident. In the workplace, poor posture or repetitive motions can take their toll on the neck as well.
Because your neck is the top of the spine that meets the skull, it is especially vulnerable to a host of injuries. In major accidents, it is not uncommon for victims to suffer fractured necks and subsequent paralysis.
In other chronic injuries, compressed nerves, arthritis, and spondylosis can plague you for the rest of your life, particularly if corrective surgery is not an option.
Shoulder Injuries
Once a shoulder is dislocated, it is likely to dislocate again. Even “routine” dislocations can lead to the patient needing major corrective surgery.
The rotator cuff is another part of the shoulder that is susceptible to injury because it can tear with improper or overuse. Like dislocated shoulders, a torn rotator cuff could require surgery. After surgery, you may never fully regain functionality from the shoulder.
Spinal Injuries
Since the back and spine is the center of the nervous system, any injuries to this region could be major if not treated properly. Paramedics and doctors should exercise special care when treating someone with an injured back.
Minor back injuries could become major if not treated properly. Overuse could also lead to more severe injuries in the spine if employees are forced to work long hours with poor equipment.
Stress Fractures
Even though a stress fracture is still a broken bone, the pain might be subtle at first. These injuries frequently occur in the lower extremities after an accident.
These injuries will eventually become extremely painful if ignored for too long. If the patient is unable to get adequate rest due to a stress fracture, it could require corrective surgery.
For more information about how an Arizona lawyer can help you with your broken bone personal injury case, contact Ray Arenofsky at 480-345-0444 or visit our website.
