St. Louis Dog Bite Injury Attorney
Hand Fracture During A Dog Attack
During a dog attack, there are two ways by which a hand fracture may occur. The first may occur while falling, as most people will extend their hand to catch themselves as they fall. As the hand impacts with the ground there is a large force applied to the hand, called an axial load or "jamming", causing the bones to compress and fracture. This trauma can also result in a shearing force between bones within a joint that causes smaller fractures within the joint.
The other mechanism by which a hand fracture may occur during a dog attack is a dog bite. The compressive forces on the hand from the dog's jaw are strong enough to literally crush the bones inside the hand, resulting in a comminuted fracture where the bones are broken into multiple pieces.
The fractures associated with a dog bite are the most severe because there are associated 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 and Treatment
Breaking your hand during a dog attack will likely result in a great deal of pain. Immediate swelling around the injured area is likely to occur.
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 a hand fracture, there is always a risk that the bones may not heal properly. However, most individuals have a full recovery with proper care and antibiotics. There are some individuals who will still end up with an infection, which could require surgery or more extensive treatment. There is also a risk of developing arthritis at an early age with any traumatic bone injury involving a major joint.
Advocates for Missouri Dog Bite Victims
At Page Law, our St. Louis dog attack lawyers have the legal experience and skills to help those seriously hurt in dog attacks. If you or a loved one has suffered a hand fracture caused by a vicious dog, our attorneys can assist. Call (314) 322-8515 today to learn more about how we can protect your rights.
