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Knee Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Whether a person drives a large vehicle or a small vehicle their legs are prone to injury, particularly in the event of a head-on collision. Regardless of the fact that they are surrounded by metal, the knee is the joint that is most vulnerable to injury because it is merely soft cartilage with the only free floating bone in the body. The knee cap.
The Anatomy of a Knee
As you can see, two of the largest bones in the body, the tibia and the fibula are held together by soft ligaments in which the knee cap is encased. The knee cap regulates the rotation of the knee joint. The ligaments are connected to the powerful muscles in the leg. When the ligaments are severed or the knee cap is shattered these muscles are rendered useless.
Knee Injuries Associated with Car Accidents
Knee injuries are extremely common during car accidents and according to this University of Wisconsin study of lower extremity injuries due to car accidents, they take the longest to heal, with more than half of the participants not returning to work after 6 months. Perhaps because the bones and muscles are so large and the knee is so fragile and specialized.
Generally, during a head on collision one or both legs are facing forward, particularly in the tense second before and during the crash. It is a natural reaction to tense or straighten the legs during impact. This can have differing results on the knees. The toll can be taken on the pelvis or the knee depending on the situation.
In the past five to ten years, people have been wisely wearing their seatbelts. This locks a person in a sitting position, which protects their fragile torso, but exposes their knees to trauma as either the dashboard, steering column, or engine are jammed into the legs.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation after a leg injury is long and arduous. A knee injury can be worse. The important thing is that the patient doesn’t bend the leg, so a cast is a part of all fashion choices, which can be up to 8 months. A that point the patient can graduate to a brace, the less itchy option since it can be taken off when the leg is dormant. After a wreck there more often than not other injuries so staying dormant is important.
For knee injuries associated with car accidents it is important to be patient to allow proper healing. Surgeries to replace the knee cap and aid in rehabilitation often leave large scars and a lasting residual effect that could inhibit cardio activity such as sports and exercise. It is important during and after to find cardio exercise that doesn’t aggravate the injury. Follow the advice of doctors and physical therapists because these injuries can lead to weight gain and ailments associated with weight gain.
What to Do If You Have a Knee Injury Associated with Car Accidents
These are debilitating injuries that can affect your career and personal life for the rest of your life. You don’t move the same way, you may not be able to enjoy the same activities that you did before, and your quality of life may be adversely affected as a result. Later in life your inhibited movement could lead to other health problems. This means that you may be entitled to compensation that will help you rehabilitate and avoid later complications. If you have had a knee injury after a car accident call Phillips Webster to consider your legal options.
