Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Explain Some Important Things You Need To Know If You Hurt Your Arm In An Accident
Arm injuries generally happen as a result of falls directly upon the outstretched arm which results in a direct blow or a forceful impact. It is very common for these types of falls to be caused by tripping and falling or slipping and falling. Sometimes an arm injury can occur because of a malfunctioning elevator door that slams closed on a person’s arm. Regardless of the the exact way it happens, here are some basic things you should know if you suffered an arm injury in an accident.
The Anatomy of a Healthy Arm
The humerus is the sole bone of the upper arm. It attaches at the scapula to form the shoulder joint. At the elbow it meets the radius and the ulna at a hinge joint. The elbow is a complex structure which allows for the radius and ulna to rotate around each other as well as to flex and extend the forearm. At the other end, the forearm connects to the wrist at a joint. The forearm has two sections, the flexor and extensor compartments. They respectively contain the muscles, nerves and arteries of the ulna and radius. There is a third nerve, the median nerve in addition to the ulnar and radial nerves. The many muscles present in the arm aid in the movement of the forearm, wrist, hand and elbow.
Common Arm Injuries Caused by Accidents
Two of the more common fractures of the arm, are fractures of the radius and ulna. Fractures to these bones, both located between the elbow and wrist, are common when a person falls down on an outstretched arm. Putting your arm out to brace your fall, is a reflexive movement, that puts your arms and shoulders at risk for injury. The momentum and weight of falling onto the outstretched arm can create the force necessary to fracture, or break these bones. Fractures closer to the wrist, elbow or shoulder, can be especially problematic because of the impact that this type of injury can have on the wrist, elbow or shoulder joint.
Treatments For Your Arm Injury
There are many different types of fractures of the arm. There are two basic ways to repair a fractured, or broken arm. One treatment method is called a closed reduction. In this procedure, your surgeon will manually manipulate the broken bone so that it is back in alignment. The arm is then immobilized with a cast to allow the bone time to heal. If the fracture, or break, cannot be treated with a closed reduction, your doctor may recommend an operation called an open reduction, internal fixation procedure. During this surgery, the broken pieces of bone are held together with wire, screws, metal or some other device to stabilize the fragments of bone. Once stabilized, and casted, the bone will heal. This is an invasive procedure, and usually results in permanent placement of metal in the body, as well as surgical scarring. The recovery period for an open reduction is usually longer than a closed reduction.
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If you have any questions about your arm injury that was caused by an accident, contact our experienced accident attorneys for more information by calling (800) 762-9300. You can also get started by simply filling out one of our case intake forms, and we will have one of our attorneys get right back to you.
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