Motor vehicle collisions can cause many different types of injuries. Some injuries tend to be far more serious than others. Crush injuries are among the worst possible injuries commonly associated with car wrecks.
The momentum of vehicles in traffic and the force of collisions can easily cause crush injuries to limbs and extremities. Those injuries often turn out to be more debilitating and expensive than simple lacerations or fractures.
What makes a crush injury such a serious medical concern?
The risk of compartment syndrome
A crush injury can very easily result in damage that produces unusual pressure on the affected body part. An injured person may develop compartment syndrome because of the inability of the body to handle crushing trauma. Compartment syndrome occurs when internal pressure caused by crush injuries leads to the accumulation of fluid, severe pain and other medical challenges. Compartment syndrome can require intensive medical intervention and can worsen the symptoms associated with a crush injury by damaging both nerves and muscles.
Comminuted fractures
When a body part experiences crushing force in a crash, the bones nearby may break into many small pieces. Comminuted fractures can be very difficult to treat. The bone may not heal fully on its own. Frequently, comminuted fractures require surgery to treat. In extreme cases, they may lead to surgical amputation in a medical setting because doctors cannot treat the tissue damage.
Nerve injuries
Crushing injuries often do extensive damage to soft tissue, not just to the bones. Nerve damage can be incredibly painful. It can also limit the use of the affected body part. Nerve damage caused by crush injuries can complicate an individual’s recovery and may affect what types of treatment medical professionals consider. Severe nerve damage is one of the factors that might contribute to doctors deciding to amputate a body part with a crush injury instead of trying to repair the damage caused by the crash.
Those with more serious car crash injuries often incur extensive medical losses, including not just healthcare costs but also lost wages and reduced earning potential. Understanding why different injuries may prove more expensive than others can help people react appropriately in the aftermath of a crash.