Many types of injuries can occur in a motor vehicle accident. For example, a knee fracture is common, as there’s a good chance that this part of your body could directly collide with the lower portion of your vehicle’s dashboard.
Although a knee fracture is not the most significant accident, it can definitely cause quite a bit of pain and discomfort. Along with this, it may make it difficult for you to walk (or move your knee when seated).
Once this injury is diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, you can learn more about your treatment options.
If the pieces of the bone are still in place, you may not require surgery. Instead, your doctor may be able to use a splint or cast to keep your knee straight as it heals.
Conversely, there are times when surgery is the only way to treat a knee fracture. This comes into play if the pieces of the bone are displaced. In the event of an open fracture, don’t be surprised if your doctor schedules the surgery within a day (or even hours).
If you were involved in a car accident, if you have reason to believe that you’ve suffered a knee fracture, don’t wait to receive medical treatment. This is a serious injury that is not going to heal on its own. In fact, you may require surgery followed up by months of rehab.
Due to the seriousness of this injury, it could change your life in many ways. For example it may impact your finances. For this reason, if another driver caused your accident, you should learn more about your legal rights.
Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “Patellar (Kneecap) Fractures,” accessed April 12, 2017
