Broken bones are one of the most common injuries suffered in car accidents in Texas. While various bones can get broken in an accident, certain bones are more susceptible to fracturing than others, whether or not you’re wearing a seatbelt.
Arm bones (humerus, radius, and ulna)
The arm has three major bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius (lower arm bone on the thumb side), and the ulna (lower arm bone on the pinky side). One, two or all three of these bones can get broken when the arm gets bent or twisted unnaturally, such as when an accident leads to the arm flailing around inside the car.
The spine
The spine consists of 33 bones stacked on top of each other. While it’s possible to fracture any bone in the spine, the most common car accident injury to the spine is a compression fracture. This fracture occurs when the car suddenly stops, and the impact force crushes one or more of the vertebrae. Wearing a seatbelt can help protect against this type of injury, but it’s still possible to suffer a compression fracture even when buckled up.
The collarbone (clavicle)
The collarbone is the bone that runs from the upper part of your chest to the shoulder. It gets its name because it forms the “collar” around the neck. This bone is very commonly broken in car accidents, especially when the driver or passenger is not wearing a seatbelt. The force of the impact can cause the collarbone to snap or shatter.
The cranium (skull)
The cranium, or skull, is the bone that protects the brain. It’s one of the strongest bones in the human body, but car accidents can still lead to a fracture. A direct hit to the head can cause a linear fracture, while a more severe impact can cause an open fracture (when the bone pierces the skin). Wearing a seatbelt and having an airbag can help protect against skull fractures.
The thigh bone (femur)
The femur is the longest and strongest bone in your body. It runs from your hip to your knee. Even though it’s a strong bone, the femur can get broken if a vehicle strikes the sides.
If you suffer a broken bone in a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away. Broken bones must be set appropriately and may require surgery to heal correctly. You may also need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility if you have a broken bone.
