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Spiral Fracture from a Car Wreck? Here’s What You Need to Know
A spiral fracture from a car wreck is a serious bone injury caused by a twisting force, often during high-impact collisions. These fractures commonly affect the arms or legs and usually require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income.
What Is a Spiral Fracture?
A spiral fracture is a type of broken bone that occurs when a strong, rotating force causes the bone to twist apart. Unlike a clean break, a spiral fracture coils around the bone like a corkscrew. These injuries are especially common in situations where one part of the body is stationary while the rest is violently forced in another direction — such as in a car crash.
What Is The Difference Between A Standard Fracture And A Spiral Fracture?
In a standard fracture scenario, lateral force or blunt force trauma to the body results in a break in the bone underneath. When a spiral fracture occurs, it is the result of a powerful twisting or rotating force at the time of the crash, possibly due either to the motion of the body or the vehicle itself.
This twisting force causes worse fractures in many cases, sometimes with multiple small pieces of bone instead of just two. Unlike most other fractures, which tend to have a somewhat flat, horizontal edge, spiral fractures often have diagonal edges.
The bone itself will have twisted, like a corkscrew or a spiral staircase, which is how the injury gets its name. Typically, spiral fractures affect longer, slender bones, including the femur, tibia, fibula, ulna, radius and humerus bones which comprise the arms and legs.
How Car Accidents Cause Spiral Fractures
In a car wreck, spiral fractures can happen when a limb is braced or caught during impact. A driver might instinctively tense their arms on the steering wheel or have a leg positioned awkwardly during a collision. When the vehicle twists or jolts, the force can spiral up the bone, causing this specific type of break.
Even lower-speed crashes can produce enough rotational energy to lead to a spiral fracture, especially if the impact causes the body to twist unnaturally. These injuries can affect the thigh, shin, arm, or forearm — and they’re often accompanied by soft tissue damage.
Treatment and Recovery
Spiral fractures rarely heal on their own. They often require surgery, where metal rods, screws, or plates are used to stabilize the bone. After the procedure, the limb may be immobilized in a cast or brace while the body heals. Recovery may include:
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Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
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Pain management
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Limited weight-bearing or activity for several months
Every recovery journey is different. Some people regain full function, while others may struggle with stiffness, weakness, or lingering discomfort long after the bone has healed.
Long-Term Effects of a Spiral Fracture
Spiral fractures can have a lasting impact on daily life, especially when the injury is severe or complications develop during healing. You might face difficulty walking, lifting, or returning to certain types of work. Some people live with chronic pain or reduced mobility long after the initial treatment ends.
These types of injuries can affect more than just your physical health — they can interfere with your job, your independence, and your emotional well-being. If your spiral fracture was caused by a car accident, it’s important to understand how your injury may affect your future and how to seek help when needed.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Car Wreck That Caused a Spiral Fracture?
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a car wreck, speaking with a lawyer can help you understand your options. Spiral fractures often lead to long recovery times and significant medical care. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you explore how to recover compensation for your injuries, your lost income, and the disruption to your life.
