We handle a lot of car crashes here at Bollwerk and Associates. While an impact can cause injury anywhere on the body, hand and wrist injuries are quite prevalent after a crash. Since we maneuver a steering wheel with our hands, our arms are unrestrained, and people will naturally use them to try to brace for impact. Because of this, hand and wrist injuries are prevalent in victims of car crashes. Today, we’re going to go over some of the types of injuries one can sustain if they find themselves in an unfortunate situation like a collision.
Before we go over the types of injuries, it’s important to note that not all these injuries exhibit immediate symptoms. Even so, a good number of these injuries display more minor symptoms, like swelling or bruising, which more strong-willed victims may believe will resolve over time. If you experience any of these symptoms, as well as nerve tingling, numbness, weakness, or loss of mobility, it is important to seek medical attention and receive a diagnosis, or you may risk chronic pain or disability.
WRIST SPRAINS:
First are sprains and strains, which are usually indicated by limited range of motion and discomfort. While minor compared to other types or injuries, a sprain is sustained when a ligament is overstretched. Sprains are usually treated with the famous RICE regiment (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and possible eventual physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed, such as an arthroscopy or even open surgery in the worst cases.
WRIST FRACTURES:
Secondly, wrist fractures are common in these cases. A common fracture is a distal radial fracture, which usually occur after outstretching your hand to brace yourself. The impact pushes the hand into the wrist, putting stress on the radial bone. While a cast may prove sufficient for recovery, more severe cases require surgery if the bones are displaced in any way. Recovery can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks for minor fracture, or many months for surgical recovery. Often times, symptoms linger long after the fracture is healed.
NERVE DAMAGE:
We also see nerve damage, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which can be sustained from gripping the wheel tightly during a crash. This can elicit symptoms like numbness and tingling in the hand or wrist. Nerve damage tends to have difficult or tedious recovery, as the damage can persist for months or years, depending on the magnitude of injury. RICE, physical therapy, and medication are common treatments, but surgery is required if less invasive treatments don’t fix the issue.
TFCC TEAR:
Finally, I wanted to cover injuries to the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). It’s a collection of ligaments that act as the main stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint, where your radius and ulna meet at the wrist. While it smooths rotation and cushions the wrist, it can suffer traumatic tears as part of an accident. Like we mentioned earlier, when bracing yourself during a crash, if you flex your hand, the resulting pressure can tear the TFCC. These types of injuries can persist for months and can affect gripping, rotation, and load-bearing strength. Usually, an MRI will identify the tear, but other compression or press tests can help identify the tear more immediately. As with most tears, they can take quite some time to recover. Severe tears will require surgery, such as arthroscopic repair, debridement, or shortening procedures. Otherwise, a few months of rest, a splint, and some physical therapy will help with recovery.
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So, if you end up in a collision, seek out medical attention as soon as you can. Lack of treatment can open you up to long term pain, disability or deformation, which can greatly impact your quality of life.
If you find yourself the victim of any of these injuries after a car accident, you have legal standing to seek compensation. Seek out an attorney that specializes in these types of cases, and they can walk you through what your options may be. Here at Bollwerk & Associates, we’re always happy to hear you out and point you in the direction that best serves you.
