If a loved one has been seriously injured in a vehicle crash, you may have already heard the term “orthopedic trauma” mentioned by a doctor or others on their medical team. Just what does that mean?
Typically, the term is used to describe injuries to bones, joints and nerves. Most people who are determined to be suffering orthopedic trauma are taken to a hospital with a Level 1 trauma center where life-saving and other emergency measures can be administered as effectively as possible.
Examples of orthopedic trauma injuries
The specific types of orthopedic trauma injuries involve some other terms most people haven’t heard before, including:
- Complex polytrauma: This is where multiple parts of the body are injured – sometimes in different ways. For example, people in serious crashes may suffer multiple fractures as well as severe burns and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Acetabular and pelvic fractures: The acetabulum is the ball-and-socket hip joint. Fractures to the acetabulum and/or the pelvis are not uncommon in high-speed or high-impact crashes.
- Axial skeletal fractures: The axial skeleton consists of the bones running from the skull through the rib cage. This includes the vertebrae. This type of injury can cause brain, spinal and other types of long-term effects
Some types of orthopedic trauma don’t fully appear until fractures — particularly extremity (limb) fractures start to heal. Extremity nonunion is when a fracture doesn’t completely heal. Extremity malunion is when it heals in a way that causes a deformity – for example in a knee or elbow. These often require multiple reconstructive surgeries.
Treatment is a long-term and costly process
Treatment for orthopedic trauma can last weeks, months or even longer. Doctors try to help patients recover as completely as possible. This includes avoiding infections, limb loss or deformity and mobility issues. Of course, this treatment can run many thousands of dollars.
It may be tempting to agree to what looks like a generous settlement from an at-fault driver or other party’s insurer in the wake of an injurious wreck, especially if bills are already starting to come in. However, it’s crucial not to accept a settlement from any insurer or other party until you know the full extent of your injuries as well as their long-term economic and non-economic impacts. Having experienced legal guidance can help protect your right to seek maximum compensation in the event that you have suffered orthopedic trauma as a result of a wreck that you didn’t cause.