While many kinds of medicine are so complex that people don’t understand them, most everyone knows what happens when you suffer a broken leg bone. Generally, medical professionals diagnose broken bones using x-ray imaging tests that verify the fracture and its severity. They then usually set the bone, possibly applying a cast to immobilize the affected leg until you heal. In some cases, the broken bone is serious enough to necessitate surgery.
Most people with broken bones from a car crash will heal quickly and cleanly. They may need pain relief initially and then physical therapy to help regain their flexibility and strength in the affected leg.
Unfortunately, some people will suffer serious consequences from a broken bone that are uncommon but still worth watching for because of how dangerous they can be.
A broken leg could lead to a blood clot
A broken bone can mean a lot of pain. It could also potentially lead to a dangerous blood clot forming in that pool of blood around the damaged bone. Blood clots can be fatal if they migrate to organs like the brain or the lungs and may require medicine or even special therapy to break them up.
A broken bone could potentially lead to nerve issues
A tiny fraction of people who suffer traumatic injuries experience worsening symptoms even after the initial injury heals. Some people develop nerve issues because of an injury that can produce worse pain than the injury itself ever did. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic medical condition that can result from broken bones.
You could develop a bone infection after surgery
Bone infections (osteomyelitis) are rare but dangerous. They can easily occur in the case of a compound or open fracture where the bone pierces through the skin. However, you could also develop a bone infection if doctors have to operate on you to set the bone.
Getting the right medical care after a car accident results in a broken bone is important. Knowing the long-term prognosis for your condition and its impact on your wages and family is also very important so that you can make the right decisions regarding the compensation you need and any insurance offers you receive.
