MO Dog Bite Attorneys
Forearm Fracture Secondary To A Dog Attack
There are two bones located in the forearm, the radius and the ulna. Both are long thin bones that are frequently broken at all ages. During a dog attack, the most common causes of forearm fractures are falls on outstretched arms or a dog bite crushing the arm. Bracing yourself during a fall can transmit a force great enough to break one or both of the bones in your forearm as the axial load causes the bone to bend to breaking point.
The fractures associated with a dog bite are often severe because they are associated with puncture wounds in the hand from the dog's teeth, allowing bacteria to potentially infect not only the skin wound but also the broken bone.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms experienced with a forearm fracture are pain and swelling. Since the bones in the forearm are what give the arm its' straight shape, you may notice the arm to be slightly deformed, curved, or bent in appearance. In addition, you may notice the hand to be tilted one way or the other depending on which bone was broken.
Treatment
Treatment for a stable, closed fracture, such as one sustained during a fall:
- A splint or cast will be used to immobilize the injured finger/hand while it heals
- After approximately 3-4 weeks, the doctor may recommend starting some gentle, small exercises to prevent the hand from becoming stiff and difficult to move
Treatment for a dirty, open fracture:
- The wounds will be cleaned thoroughly with sterile water or saline
- Antibiotics will be given and the hand will be splinted temporarily
- If surgery is needed to repair the fracture, it will be postponed for a few days while the antibiotics build in your system to help decrease the likelihood of infection
- If surgery is not needed, a more permanent splint will be placed
- These types of fractures will need to be followed closely with frequent checking of the skin wounds for signs of infection
Prognosis
With any fracture, there is always a risk of the bones not healing properly, especially as we age. However, the majority of individuals have an uneventful and complete recovery with proper care and antibiotics. There are some individuals who will still end up with an infection, possibly requiring additional surgery or more extensive treatment. With any traumatic bone injury involving a joint, there is a risk of developing arthritis at an early age.
Experienced Attorneys You Can Depend On
The St. Louis dog bite lawyers at Page Law fight for those seriously injured in animal attacks. Our attorneys understand how important it is for dog bite victims to obtain compensation for hospital visits, surgery, physical therapy, scar revision, lost wages, and other damages. To find out how we can assist you with your case, call us today at (314) 322-8515.
