A car accident may result in severe injuries, some of which may need surgical intervention in order to recover correctly. The most common reason for death in the United States is accidents like these. According to the dataset, there has been an increase of 16% in the number of car accidents between 2018 and 2022.
A car accident can hurt people in many ways, from small cuts and scrapes to major injuries that last a long time. The ones that need surgery to fix are some of the worst. These wounds may affect a person’s quality of life in the long run, as well as their immediate health. But what are these injuries, and how do you know if surgery is necessary?
In this article, we’ll list down the car accident injuries that require surgery and talk about the effects they can have on the victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most severe outcomes of auto accidents is spinal cord injury (SCI), which frequently has a significant and long-lasting impact on a person’s mobility and quality of life. If car accidents result in catastrophic spinal cord injuries, the repercussions can be life-changing.
According to Beverly Hills Catastrophic Injury Lawyer & Law Firm, these kinds of injuries usually cause serious damage to the spinal cord, which can make the person paralyzed or unable to feel below the injury site. Surgical intervention is needed to treat spinal instability, free up the spinal cord, and maybe even fix broken vertebrae in these cases. Surgical procedures like spinal fusion or spinal decompression may be needed to stabilize the spine and stop further nerve damage.
Recovery from spinal cord surgery requires rehabilitation in order to regain function and mobility. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of help are often suggested to help patients get better and get used to any changes in their physical abilities.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden impact or blow to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain. It could happen if the head hits the steering wheel, the windshield, or the side window. Brain damage can also happen even if there is not a direct hit. This is because of the sudden acceleration or deceleration forces that happen in a collision.
The symptoms of traumatic brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, depending on the severity of the affected area. Headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory problems, and shifting moods or behaviors are some of the common symptoms of this condition.
Internal Organ Damage
During a collision, the force can lead to harm and injury to various organs in the body, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and even the heart. These injuries are extremely serious and demand immediate surgical intervention to fix the damage and avoid internal bleeding or organ failure.
Internal organ damage from a car accident can present symptoms like abdominal pain, swelling, bruising, or tenderness. It is important to get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms, because injuries inside the body may not always show on the outside. Diagnostic imaging tests, such as CT scans or ultrasounds, are often necessary to assess the extent of the damage and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
In severe cases of internal organ damage, surgery may be the only option to repair the injuries and save the affected organ. Surgeons are skilled in performing various procedures such as organ repair, removal, or transplantation to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient’s recovery.
Severe Fractures
Fractures can occur in two forms: compound fractures, where the bone breaks through the skin, and closed fractures, where the bone breaks but remains within the skin. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required to realign the bones and facilitate proper healing.
Patients with serious fractures may need surgery to stabilize the bones while they heal. This is done with metal screws, plates, or rods. This surgical procedure is designed to address the structural integrity of the affected bone, alleviate pain, and minimize the risk of long-term complications like malunion or nonunion.
Recovery from surgery for severe fractures can be lengthy and may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
Joint Dislocations
If joint dislocations occur due to a car accident, surgical intervention might be required to restore proper alignment and function. When a joint becomes dislocated due to the impact of the collision, it indicates that the ends of the bones have been pushed out of their usual positions. The affected joint may become very painful, swell up, and become immobile.
Surgery is often required to relocate the joint back into its proper place. During the surgical procedure, the orthopedic surgeon will manipulate the bones back into alignment and may use surgical screws, plates, or other fixation devices to secure the joint in its correct position.
Following the surgery, a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy is crucial to help regain strength, range of motion, and functionality in the joint. Prompt medical attention and treatment for joint dislocations from a car accident are vital to prevent long-term complications and ensure the best possible outcome for recovery.
Conclusion
If you’re involved in a car accident and experience any of the mentioned injuries, it’s extremely important to seek medical attention immediately. Surgery may be necessary to treat spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, severe fractures, and joint dislocations.
Follow the post-operative care instructions carefully to optimize recovery and minimize complications. Remember, early intervention can lead to better outcomes and a faster recovery process. Stay safe on the roads and prioritize your health after an accident.