Austin Injury LawyerTrimalleolar Fractures

What Is a Trimalleolar Fracture?

A Trimalleolar fracture is a fracture that occurs at the base of the ankle, when all three malleoli – the bony protruberances that stabilize the ankle – break. Often, surgery is necessary to repair the broken bones and torn ligaments.

What Is a Colles Fracture?

Colles wrist fractures occur when the hand absorbs a great amount of force, so in addition to being associated with car accidents, it’s also one of the most common injuries in people who fall backwards and extend their arm to break the fall. In a Colles wrist fracture, the radius – the larger of the two main wrist bones – breaks roughly one inch from the end, where it meets the bones of the hand. That broken portion tilts upward and may be completely detached, and the bone may be broken into more than one piece.

Vehicle accidents are known to cause specific types of injuries, such as neck sprains and head trauma. In a forceful collision, there are two other types of injuries that may require years of rehabilitation: trimalleolar fractures and Colles wrist fractures.

If you’ve suffered a trimalleolar or Colles fracture in an accident due to someone else’s carelessness or negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Don’t wait to get help. Call the Evans/Reilley Law Firm today to request your free consultation: 1-855-414-1012.

Colles Fractures and the Elderly

Colles fractures are the most common fracture among women in the United States, and roughly half of all women with this injury have osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones. Osteoporosis generally begins around age 50, and many people aren’t aware they have it until they suffer a broken bone.

Whereas significant force is required to break strong, healthy bones, low-energy falls are a common cause of Colles fractures in elderly people. When those people have low bone density, surgical repair of the injury becomes more complicated, because the bones are more difficult to stabilize. In many instances, the bones will revert to pre-surgery positions or become even further deformed. Similarly, victims of severe burns often face complex medical and legal challenges, making the guidance of an Austin burn injury lawyer crucial in navigating their recovery and compensation

Rehabilitation of Colles Fractures

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises patients that recovery from a Colles fracture will take at least a year. Depending on the severity of the break, surgeons may need to fixate the bones with metal pins, a plate and screws, or an external rod with pins that penetrate the skin and bones. Any of those measures will require at least one subsequent surgery for removal.

Physical therapy may be necessary to build strength and restore range of motion, but stiffness may persist for years, or indefinitely.

Trimalleolar Fractures and Recovery

Significant swelling often occurs along with a trimalleolar fracture, which can complicate or delay surgery and increase the risk of infection. Patients will be restricted from bearing weight on the injured ankle for up to four months, during which time muscle atrophy almost always occurs.

There are numerous ways in which a trimalleolar fracture may interfere with one’s quality of life, both immediately after the injury and years later. Injuries to the ankle – especially those that require surgery – increase a person’s risk of developing arthritis, which can cause ongoing pain and limit mobility. And some studies have found that patients being treated for cardiorespiratory health problems may have developed those illnesses due to a sedentary lifestyle, brought on by lingering ankle or knee pain.

Helping the Injured

If you’ve suffered a trimalleolar or Colles fracture in an accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to a settlement. Often, insurers will attempt to pressure injury victims into accepting a small settlement that’s inadequate to cover their long-term needs. But with an experienced Austin personal injury attorney on your side, you’re more likely to get the compensation you deserve.

The Evans/Reilley Law Firm has helped numerous personal injury victims and their families move on with their lives after a debilitating injury. Find out today if you have a case. Fill out our online form, or call us at 1-855-414-1012 to request your no-obligation consultation.