Common Joint Injuries for Car Accident Victims
Car accident injuries vary from person to person; however, there are some common joint injuries that result from a car crash. Following are the injuries that are commonly seen from a car crash, and brief information about treatment applied:
The Sacroiliac Joint
The Sacroiliac Joint also referred to as the SI joint connects the bottom of the spine with the pelvis. Vehicle accidents can cause this joint to take damage and cause a person to have restricted movement, pain in the lower back and buttocks, and down the leg. SI joint injuries can cause tingling in the legs as well as numbness. When the Sacroiliac joint is fractured, the pain level increases and a grinding sensation is felt. A Sacroiliac nerve can respond to massages, ice treatments, and Cortisone injections. Stronger cases may respond well to physical therapy as well as electrotherapy.
Facet Joint Injury
Facet joints are bones that help you be flexible by facilitating the back movement, and bending over. Facet joints are, for the most part, fixed and provide a stable environment for the vertebral Column. Trauma to facet joints occur when the joints are weakened and the spinal cord is pinched. The most common symptoms of a facet joint trauma is felt in the lower back and will radiate through the buttocks and stops at the thighs. Cervical will be felt through the neck, shoulders, and upper back.The pain is able to go away if the joint is able to slip back into the correct position. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and heat are the most common ways to treat a Facet Joint Injury. Surgery is generally only used in rare and traumatic cases.
Knee Injuries
Two of the most common injuries to the knee in a motor vehicle collision is to the PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament), and the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). PCL is located at the back of the knee which connects the tibia and the femur. The injury associated with a PCL is weakness of stability, and sensation of pain in the knee. ACL is another major ligament deep in the knee. It provides movement in the knee joint. If the ACL has sustained severe damage, a surgical ACL reconstruction may be needed. If, invasive procedure such as a surgery will not be performed, then at least six months of physical therapy will be needed to heal from a torn ACL.
If you are suffering from any of these common joint injuries as a result of a motor vehicle collision and need help resolving your claim effectively with the at-fault party’s insurance company, please contact an experienced Arlington TX personal injury attorney represent you.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for their insight into common joint injuries from car accidents.
