Information about Arizona Hip Fracture Injuries
by Phoenix Hip Fracture Lawyer - Mark Breyer
As Arizona personal injury lawyers we see many accidents involving hip fractures. After an Arizona slip and fall accident or any other kind of physical trauma, many people sustain hip fractures and need to be taken to the hospital for immediate treatment.
Hip fractures can be caused by the following types of accidents:
- Phoenix slip and falls
- Nursing home abuse cases
- Auto accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bike accidents.
The pelvis is located below the rib cage and forms a ring like structure protecting reproductive and digestive organs. A broken pelvis can lead to heavy bleeding, damaged nerves, and injuries to the reproductive and digestive organs. In some cases surgery is needed depending on the severity of the injury. A fractured pelvis is very painful and will include swelling, bruising, and severe bleeding. If a person appears to have a fractured pelvis they should be taken to the emergency room. Once at the hospital a patient will be examined using X-rays or CT scans. A doctor will also examine blood vessels and nerves for damage.
If a person is in poor overall health, surgery may not be an option. Non surgical treatments are also used for less severe hip fractures. These types of treatment include stabilizing the pelvis and utilizing crutches or a walker. If someone has a hip fracture they will not be able to put pressure on their lower body for up to 3 months. During the 3 months a doctor will prescribe pain medication and blood thinner to prevent clots from forming during bed rest.
If surgical treatment is necessary after a high trauma accident such as a car crash, doctors will use internal fixation to correct the broken hip. Internal fixation involves inserting metal screws into the hip. External fixation is also an option depending on the type of injury. External fixation involves inserting metal bars and screws into the hip that connects to a frame outside of the body. External fixation allows doctors to treat internal injuries involving organs and blood vessels. A hip replacement may also be necessary depending on the damage to the hip structure.
In most cases, a person that suffered from hip fracture will regain full strength and mobility. Often times a person will develop a limp during the first few months of the healing process because of a loss of leg muscle strength. This can be regained over time.
Long term complications with a hip fracture include:
- Prolonged pain
- Impaired mobility
- Sexual dysfunction.
When you are hurt as a result of a negligent act in Phoenix, you are able to recover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, along with other claims.
If a person has hip replacement surgery, other care and surgeries may be required in the future. If this is the case, then the insurance company should be compensating the injured person due to the negligent act which caused the injury.
