Long-Term Effects of Bone Fractures

Fractures are one of the most common injuries people suffer from either once or multiple times in their life. Over six million people sustain a broken bone every year in the United States. Most bone fractures can quickly and easily heal. 

Bone fractures do not generally have long-term symptoms, as long as the injured victim gets proper treatment. Depending on your bill of health, age, location and severity of the fracture, a broken bone usually takes four to eight weeks to heal. However, not all fractures are created equal. Some bone breaks can have a long-term impact on your body and your life. 

Long-term impacts of bone fractures could mean…

Damage to Nerves

One major long-term impact of a broken bone is damage to the nerves. When a bone breaks, the nerves can be stretched, crushed and bruised. These secondary injuries are generally the result of blunt force trauma. A damaged nerve generally heals on its own, but the healing process can take months or even years depending on the degree of damage done. In some cases, a damaged nerve may never completely heal, causing a lifelong impact. This type of damage typically results from a sharp bone fragment contacting the nerves after a break.

Decreased Strength and Increased Discomfort

Another common long-term impact of a bone fracture is decreased strength around the site of a fracture and increased discomfort. For instance, if you break your forearm, you may find this area is not as strong as it once was and you cannot move it as you once could.

Problems with the Joint

Although fractures damage the bone, it can also impact the surrounding muscles, joints and ligaments. Fractures can damage the cartilage at the ends of the bone, known as the joint or joint surfaces. When the cartilage is damaged, the smooth surface scars, which can ultimately result in osteoarthritis. This can cause stiffness in your joints and a limited range of motion.

Anxiety and Depression

Serious bone fractures can also result in serious psychological trauma as well. Depending on how bad the break was and how it has impacted your life, you may experience a range of psychological conditions, such as depression, anxiety and stress.

Inability to Participate in Normal Activities 

If a fracture does not heal properly, it can hold you back from certain daily activities. What once was a simple task for you, could now become a challenge or roadblock. 

Contact us!

Regardless of what type of long-term impact you suffered as a result of your bone fracture injury, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced accident attorney. If the accident was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensation.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates have achieved over $135 million for their clients so far. For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation with one of the attorneys, call 949-727-9300.