Arm Fractures
When a car accident occurs fractures from car accident are common, a person may try and brace themselves by putting their arms out in front of them, this can cause any bones in the arm to break. Arms a very common area for broken bones and typically heal well with a cast.
Wrist Fractures
Your wrist is composed of many fragile bones that can be broken easily. This often occurs during bracing, or when the wrist is caught in the wrong place and is crushed in some way. Because wrists break easily, they also heal more easily than many other bones.
Tibia / Fibula (Lower Leg Fractures)
Fractures from Car Accident often involve the legs. Legs are particularly susceptible to injury when part of the car caves in or when there is a high level of trauma. This can cause the legs to get trapped in the area between the floor and the dashboard. Severity can vary depending on the impact to the leg. Fractures can heal well with casts and Physiotherapy. Cast may be required depending on the severity of the injury and input from an Orthopod is also required.
Femur Fractures (Upper Leg Fracture)
The femur, or the thigh bone, is one of the strongest bones in the body and yet is still commonly fractured in a car accident due to the high level of trauma and force. This can occur due to the car crumpling or the action of bracing oneself for impact. Because the bone is thick, healing can take longer on the femur than other bones. All bones heal well if they are looked after properly. This includes regular consultations with your Orthopod and Physiotherapy. A cast is often required in the early stages of recovery. Followed by other devices.
Clavicle Fractures
More commonly known as the collarbone, your clavicle is a fragile bone and can be broken easily. The clavicle is also near the seatbelt on many people, which can cause pressure that leads to breaks. Unlike extremities, a clavicle can’t be neatly put into a cast. The arm may be put into a cast to avoid movement and physical therapy will be a large component of healing. Clavicle fractures are often left to heal on their own. Regular reviews with your Orthopod and Physiotherapy input is required as a mis aligned clavicle fracture can result in reduced shoulder function and ongoing pain.
Rib Fractures
Rib fractures can be caused by seatbelts as well as the impact of airbags. Like clavicles, ribs can’t be put into a cast and treatment will rely on rest and careful movement as the bones heal. Severe cases can also be treated with surgery. Sharp ends from fractured ribs can at times puncture the lungs resulting in a medical emergency. Pain over the ribs after an accident needs to be attended to urgently after a motor vehicle accident.
Back Fractures
In rear-end and head-on collisions, the force from impact on the body commonly causes fractured vertebrae. Majority of these fractures heal well with rest, back brace and Physiotherapy. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be required, in which case an Orthopedic specialist will provide guidance for optimal healing and long-term health.
Hip Fractures
Hips are also very commonly fractured, both in car accidents and through falls and other occurrences. The hip is a joint that connects the thigh bone to the pelvis and is critical to our ability to move. Because of the complexity in the hip, healing may require screws, plates, and rods to stabilise the area and return full mobility. Just like any other fracture, fractures heal well with the right guidance and treatment. Any fracture after a motor vehicle accident should be reviewed urgently.
Pelvis Fractures
While this can occur in a car accident, it’s actually more commonly an injury sustained by a motorcycle accident. When sustained, a pelvis fracture will require bed rest, Physiotherapy, and possibly the assistance of crutches to fully heal. In females, Pelvic fractures need to be addressed as soon as possible as it can have an affect on child birth and pregnancy.
Face / Skull Fractures
The most common cause of this injury is someone not wearing a seatbelt, allowing their head to strike the windshield on impact. Many of these fractures will heal on their own with time and pain management, though severe skull fractures can lead to complications or even brain damage.
Summary:
Fractures from Car Accident are common and if you have been in a car accident and sustained a fractured or broken bones, you will need to seek care as soon as possible. We work closely with you GP and Specialists to ensure you receive the best Physiotherapy care after a car accident.
