While riding a motorcycle is a very fun and freeing experience, you do face a risk of serious injury. This is especially true when sharing the road with careless drivers, who might not notice your motorcycle until it is too late.
While many types of injuries can accompany motorcycle accidents, fractures are particularly common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, bone fractures often occur with the application of significant force to the tissue. Depending on the amount of force applied, and the body part impacted, fractures can have a few different effects.
Types of bone fractures
If a fracture is complete, that means the bone breaks in two separate pieces. Conversely, partial fractures involve broken tissue, but the bone remains somewhat intact. Closed fractures are those where the bone does not break through the skin, while open fractures are those where the bone does actually pierce the skin. Open fractures also carry a risk of infection, which is why timely medical treatment is crucial.
Bone fracture diagnosis
You will notice a fracture immediately after it occurs, especially if it resulted from a traumatic accident. The affected limb will appear swollen, and you will experience significant pain when trying to use it. The limb may also have abnormal bends or bumps.
At the hospital, the doctor will use diagnostic tests to determine the extent of the damage. This includes an x-ray to get an image of the break, then CT scans and MRIs for a more detailed view.
Bone fracture treatment
It depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Broken arms and legs are often treated with casts or splints, which you must wear for a certain period of time. If the fracture was open, you will also need surgery to repair the wound. Surgery is also used for more complicated breaks, which might require internal plates and screws to hold the broken bone together while healing.
While it depends on the patient, most fractures heal in about six to eight weeks after the initial injury. With more serious breaks requiring traction, a treatment that uses a system of weights and pulleys to keep broken bones in place, patients may expect a longer recovery period.