By Pierce Blitch
Crushed and Broken: The Realities of Low Back Fracture Injuries
The Hidden Dangers of Low Back Fractures
Low back fracture injuries often stem from high-energy incidents like car and truck crashes. With decades of experience in personal injury law, I’ve witnessed countless cases of these injuries and their devastating effects.
Understanding the Pain
A vertebral fracture in the lumbar region causes intense back pain, worsened by movement. When these fractures affect the spinal cord or nerves, symptoms may include bowel/bladder issues, numbness, tingling, or limb weakness.
High-Energy Trauma and Complications
High-energy trauma often accompanies low back fractures. Patients may suffer brain injuries, lose consciousness, or experience distracting injuries that mask back pain. These fractures include various forms such as vertebral fractures, bulging discs, and nerve, ligament, tendon, or muscle damage.
Types of Low Back Vertebral Fractures
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures involve small breaks in the vertebrae that reduce its height. Post-menopausal women with osteoporosis are particularly vulnerable. These fractures, which can result from incidents as minor as a rear-end collision, lead to chronic pain, height loss, disfigurement, and reduced quality of life.
Burst Fractures
Burst fractures, a severe form of compression fracture, occur when a vertebra explodes outward. This can cause spinal cord bruising, potentially leading to paralysis. Treatment often involves vertebroplasty, where bone cement is injected into the damaged vertebra for stability.
Chance Fractures
Named after the radiologist who first defined it, a Chance fracture is an unstable spine fracture at the thoracolumbar junction, typically resulting from head-on collisions. Diagnosing these fractures requires CT and MRI scans, especially when seatbelt bruising is present. Treatment varies from braces to surgical stabilization, depending on the severity.
Rotation Fractures
Less common, rotation fractures result from extreme sideways bending or rotation of the low back. These fractures often require surgical stabilization with plates, screws, rods, or cages.
Long-Term Impacts and Legal Considerations
Most lumbar spine fractures result in an impairment rating under the American Medical Association Guides. This rating differs from occupational disability; someone with a low impairment rating may still be unable to perform a physically demanding job. A vocational rehabilitation expert can assess real-world disability impacts.
If you or a loved one has suffered a low back fracture injury, it’s vital to seek legal counsel to understand your rights and options.
CALL THE Blitch Law Firm ATTORNEYS AT LAW TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CASE
We fight for you, and we don’t back down. Every personal injury case has potentially life-altering consequences. We don’t hold back on providing our clients the best possible representation. At The Blitch Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a personal injury case can take. If you, a family member, or a close friend has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact The Blitch Law Firm today at 706-434-8770 or visit us at 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Third Floor, Evans, Georgia 30809 to discuss your unique case and our dedicated personal injury strategies with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
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