Because motorcyclists are exposed to the open road, they often get ejected in Florida motorcycle accidents. When they crash, motorcyclists usually stretch out their hands to soften their falls. However, a fall on an outstretched hand can lead to a broken arm or a wrist fracture. One type of wrist injury motorcyclists sustain in crashes is a scaphoid fracture.
The scaphoid bone is one of the eight small bones that make up the wrist, and it is the most common wrist bone to break in a motor vehicle accident. It is located just above the radius bone, at the base of the thumb, and where the wrist bends. When a scaphoid fracture of the wrist occurs, the radius (the end of one of the forearm bones) may also break, depending on the position of the arm and the amount of weight that lands on the hand.
| Related Links: |
When the scaphoid breaks, it can cause pain and tenderness because of its nearness to the thumb tendons. If wrist pain is present immediately after a Sarasota motorcycle crash, a fracture of the scaphoid could be the result, and may be determined by the following symptoms:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Wrist deformity
- Lack of grip
While many motorcyclists with scaphoid fractures experience the above symptoms, pain may not be as severe for others. There also might not be a visible deformity in the wrist. Because of this, a scaphoid fracture is sometimes mistaken for a wrist sprain. When this type of injury is not treated immediately, it can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday activities such as grasping a toothbrush, buttoning a shirt or pants, tying shoelaces, and even riding a motorcycle again.
For this reason, it is critical that motorcyclists get their wrist fully checked out following a motorcycle crash. Early treatment can help minimize wrist pain and stiffness. However, some wrist fractures are so complex that even immediate treatment may not fully heal the bone. The part of the scaphoid that is broken will generally determine whether a cast, surgery, screws, or bone graft may be necessary to line up the broken bone properly.
Recovery can take as little as a few weeks to six months or more. However, sometimes, people never fully recover and experience a lifetime of the following symptoms:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Loss of function
- Weakness
- Inability to use their wrist like they used to
If your scaphoid fracture fails to heal, a non-union has probably occurred. You may have to endure multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and other treatments. If you have a difficult wrist fracture that is giving you pain, contact an experienced Sarasota motorcycle accident attorney to find out about your rights to damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Call Mallard Perez today at 888-409-3805 for a free consultation.
