Understanding Hairline Shin Fractures After a Car Accident in Brooklyn
Hairline shin fractures can be challenging for car accident victims in Brooklyn. Part of this challenge revolves around how difficult it can be to receive an official diagnosis. Until you determine whether you have a hairline fracture in your shin, you might not be sure whether to rest or resume your normal exercise. How should you approach this issue? Can a Brooklyn auto accident lawyer help you access necessary compensation?
How Might a Car Accident Cause a Shin Fracture?
A car accident can easily cause a shin fracture. These injuries are generally associated with sudden, hard impacts to the tibia (the shin bone). For example, a vehicle occupant might be jolted forward by an impact, so that their shin impacts the dashboard or the back of the front seat. Injuries can be particularly severe if the leg gets caught between two objects, as this can bend and twist the lower leg and cause more complex tibial fractures.
Hairline Fractures Can Be Difficult to Diagnose
While some shin fractures are obvious and extremely painful, others can be more subtle. You might suffer a “hairline fracture” to your shin in a car accident. This injury may be impossible to detect at first, and you might walk away from the crash with little to no pain or difficulty. As the days go by, however, you might notice a lingering pain and weakness in your shin that doesn’t seem to go away.
Will an X-Ray Detect a Hairline Fracture in My Shin?
The likelihood of an X-ray detecting a hairline fracture in your shin is relatively low. In fact, the efficacy of this medical imaging system can be as low as 10% in this situation. A much more reliable option is an MRI, which can detect the bone marrow swelling associated with hairline fractures. You might need an MRI to rule out a hairline fracture after a car accident, and this is something you should discuss with your lawyer.
Bursitis Could Also Be Possible
Bursitis might also be possible after a car accident. Although this isn’t the same as a hairline fracture, it can cause similar symptoms, including similar levels of pain and discomfort. Bursitis involves the formation of small, fluid-filled sacs on your shins.
Key Takeaways
- Shin fractures can be difficult to detect, even with X-rays
- Shin fractures are commonly confused with shin splints and bursitis
- You might need to rest for months if you have a shin stress fracture
Can a Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Even if you suspect that your shin might be fractured, it makes sense to confirm with a doctor. Once you have received an official diagnosis, you can work with an experienced auto accident lawyer in Brooklyn to access appropriate compensation. Although shin fractures are not serious injuries, they can lead to significant wage loss and medical bills as you rest. Speak with Cohan Law, PLLC to learn more about the next steps.
Source:
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/pes-anserine-bursitis