Elbow Fractures Resulting from Chicago Motorcycle Accidents

In many Chicago motorcycle accidents, the motorcyclist is thrown away from the motorcycle onto the road. The motorcyclist may fall onto a solid surface with his hands stretched forward, causing serious injury to his elbow. Fractures in the elbow can be either extra-articular or intra-articular, with the latter referring to an elbow fracture involving the joint

An elbow fracture occurs when one or more bones in the elbow get broken. The elbow consists of mainly three bones, which include the radius, the ulna, and the humerus. Any crack or rupture in the elbow bones affects the victim’s ability to move forearms, palms, and other parts the hand.

If the part of the humerus entering on top of the joint gets damaged, it is referred to as intercondylar fracture. This type of injury is more common among adults. In most cases, the victim would require long term treatment.

Some other types of elbow injuries are common among kids. For instance, fractures of the distal humerus, also referred to as supracondylar fracture, account for around 60 percent of all elbow fracture cases in kids. This type of injury may lead to serious nerve injuries affecting the radial nerve, the median, and its branch the anterior interosseous nerves. Any severe nerve injury takes around two or three months to heal, while some side effects may continue for six months or longer.

Another common elbow injury that leads to deformity or deviation of the elbow is referred to as cubitusvarus. This is one of the most common types of elbow injuries from motorcycle accidents. Minor cubitusvarus is treated with the use of traction in the affected area. However, if the injury is more serious, the victim may be advised to undergo a surgery immediately.

Kids often suffer another type of elbow injury called medial epicondyle fracture. The doctor may recommend a surgery to get the dislocated fragment in the elbow joint back to its original place. However, minor injuries are treated with traction and other conventional treatment methods.

Radial Fracture

Motorcycle accidents may also result in radial fractures. This type of fracture usually affects the radial head or neck and the distal radius. If you suffer a radial head injury, you may be treated with the open and closed method.

Radial head fractures are common in road accidents. In fact, this type of fracture accounts for around 33 percent of all elbow fracture cases and around 20 percent of all elbow pain cases. The most common cause of this type of injury is falling on a solid surface with the hands stretched forward. In some cases, the patient may need to undergo a surgery. This type injury may damage any area between the elbow and the wrist. On the other hand, distal radial fracture occurs when one gets a fracture close to the wrist. As a result of the injury, the fractured distal radius may deviate a little toward the back of the victim’s hand. Treatment options usually include surgery and closed reduction.

If you have suffered an elbow fracture in a motorcycle accident, you should immediately contact an experienced Willens Law personal injury lawyer Chicago to get help with the legal claim process. Call Willens Law Offices at
(312) 957-4166 for a free case evaluation.