Elbow Fracture

While auto manufacturers are working at making cars as safe as possible, there are still millions of accidents every year that lead to injury. As a Kent injury lawyer, I have found that while it may be impossible to avoid being hit by a negligent driver, you can help yourself by being well informed about common car crash injuries. One of the first things to know is that in a collision, most injuries are inflicted on the upper body, arms and head. Areas near the joints in the arms are very susceptible to personal injury because of the tension caused in the moments prior to the crash and the outstretched position that exposes the appendage to the blunt trauma of the impact.

One particular joint that is extremely susceptible to injury is the elbow. This joint is composed of three bones that come together; the radius and the ulna make up the forearm and they connect with the humerus in the upper arm. Strains, sprains and fractures are frequent in the radius and ulna. Being in a car crash is a common cause for bone fractures near the elbow because of the excessive pressure placed on these bones while gripping the steering wheel. Also, any impact to the side of the car could cause the vehicle to spin out of control, creating an opportunity for the elbow to twist in an unnatural direction.

Victims of an elbow fracture usually have common symptoms such as, pain, swelling and bruising around the elbow. Lack of mobility in the joint is another sign of a fracture. Many victims also recall the sound and feeling of a pop in the joint at the time of the accident. People who experience these symptoms in their elbow should seek medical attention immediately. X-rays are the best method of determining the extent of damage. For mild sprains and fractures, a doctor may simply provide a cast and sling to immobilize the joint while it heals, however, more extreme scenarios may require surgery to realign the bones that have been broken. After treatment, a physician may advise physical therapy and exercises to efficiently return mobility in the elbow joint.