It’s just a fact of life that children are going to run, jump, hang, spring, bound and buzz around regardless of where they are or what they are doing. Unfortunately, with such activity comes the risk of injury, especially from slips or falls.
Parrish Law Firm, PLLC is here to give you some information on a common children’s injury, a broken bone, in the hopes that if you can recognize the signs and symptoms early on, you can make the right decisions and get your kid back to being a kid again as soon as possible.
According to WebMD, the average person suffers two broken bones in his or her life span. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable because of their weakened bone strength.
What is a bone fracture?
A bone fracture is another term for a broken bone. When a force is exerted on a bone that is stronger than the bone itself, the bone will crack or break. The severity depends typically on the location of the break and the resulting damage to the tissues around the bone and the bone itself.
There are four main types of bone fractures. They include:
- Displaced Fracture – Occurs when the bone breaks into two or more parts, which become unaligned with one another, no longer lining up straight. If the bone breaks into many pieces, it is known as a comminuted fracture.
- Non-displaced Fracture – Occurs when the bone cracks either somewhat or all the way through, but remains aligned.
- Open Fracture – Occurs when the bone breaks through the skin, though it may retreat back into the tissue and not be visible. When an open fracture occurs, there is the risk of a deep bone infection.
- Closed Fracture – Occurs when a fractured bone does not break through the skin.
How do bone fractures occur?
Most broken bones are a result of Motor-vehicle accidents, physical activities (bike riding, snow boarding, etc.), and falls or slips. Always make sure to buckle up when driving in a vehicle, and to wear the proper protective equipment when engaging in sport activities.
What are the symptoms of a bone fracture?
- Deformation of the leg or arm.
- Bruising or swelling in the area over the bone.
- An increase of pain in the area when pressure or movement occurs.
- Loss of mobility and function in the injured area.
- Bone protruding from the skin.
What are the treatments for a bone fracture?
Doctors generally diagnose a broken bone via an X-ray, but this method is not foolproof. Doctors may also conduct a computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a bone scan to verify the existence of a broken bone.
Treatment usually requires emergency personnel at the time of the breakage; so unless it is something as minor as a fractured tip of the toe, call 911. Doctors will set the bone (return it to its proper place, also known as “reduction”) and then immobilize it using a splint, cast or traction. Painkillers may be prescribed to reduce pain and rehabilitation starts immediately, working to maintain muscles, prevent stiffness and blood clots, and increase blood flow.
Contact Us
The Parrish Law Firm works with those Virginia residents who have suffered personal injuries as a result of another party’s negligence. James Parrish, the founding attorney, works closely with clients to help garner the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 703-906-4229 or email us for a free case consultation.
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