While a collarbone fracture is one of the most common types of cycling-related injuries, fractures in the hand, wrist, and forearm are also very common injuries that bicyclists sustain when they are involved in accidents with motor vehicles. Some cycling compression injuries and fractures of the hand include:
- Median nerve compression. The median nerve is one of the main nerves of the hand and forearm. When it is compressed in a bicycle accident, it can lead to nerve damage and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Ulnar nerve compression. When a bicycle crash occurs, the ulnar nerve can be compressed at the wrist or elbow, causing a feeling of pins and needles, burning pain in the wrist, and weakness in the hand.
- Metacarpal fracture. The metacarpals are the five bones that connect the wrists to the fingers. The tops of the metacarpals make up the knuckles. When a fracture occurs, a deformity or a depressed knuckle will be visible or the accident victim will be unable to move his finger.
- Phalanx fracture. Fourteen bones called phalanges form the fingers on each hand. When a bicyclist attempts to break his fall by stretching out his hands, a broken finger, also known as a phalanx fracture, is often the result.
Fractures of the wrist bones including the distal radius, scaphoid, and hamate are common cycling injuries that occur when a cyclist reaches out to break his fall. In the aftermath of the bicycle accident, swelling and pain along the wrist and arm is usually a clear indicator that a fracture has occurred.
Hand and wrist fractures can lead to a lifetime of pain and disability. If you have injured your hand or wrist in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you should learn about your rights to compensation. Find out more by ordering a free copy of our book The Florida Accident Handbook: What You Need to Know After an Auto, Truck or Bike Accident.
| Related Links: What Cyclists Should Know About Arm Injuries |
