California residents should know that if they fracture their femur, it will likely be in one of two ways: a motor vehicle crash or a fall. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says that crashes and falls are the first and second most common causes of femur fractures. Falls tend to occur among the elderly, whose bones are fragile, whereas crash-related fractures arise among young and middle-aged adults.
The severity of crash-related fractures
Breaking the femur in a car wreck can be severe. The bone may protrude from the skin, possibly opening the way to an infection. The victim may tear muscles and ligaments, damage blood vessels and develop a blood clot. Without immediate medical attention, the victim may die.
Crash-related fractures usually occur along the length of the femur, called the shaft, or at the distal end where the bone connects with the knee joint. In both cases, the injury will most likely be a complete fracture, not a stress fracture.
Medical treatments may vary
Only in minor cases can a victim go away with a cast and crutches. Doctors will probably implant a metal rod into the femur and metal screws and plates as well to reattach the pieces. Victims may go through physical therapy and rehabilitative care and develop an exercise regimen of their own, all the while taking pain medications.
Filing a claim after a femur fracture
Many truck accidents result in the occupants of the passenger vehicle fracturing their femur. If this describes your case, you may be able to file a claim against the trucking company. The process may require legal assistance, so you may want to start by seeing a lawyer for a case evaluation. If retained, the lawyer may represent you at the negotiation table or in the courtroom.
