Broken Bones, Fractures, Soft Tissue Injuries in Worcester

Orthopedic Injuries

A broken bone can be a major traumatic injury and a complete recovery is by no means something to take for granted. Leg bone fractures may require multiple surgeries, a lengthy and painful recovery process, and some types of fractures can result in permanent partial disability.

At the law firm of Peter Ventura, Attorney at Law, we take an individualized approach to each client’s accident case, and we make sure that we understand the nature of a person’s injuries and prognosis before we try to settle the case for any certain amount.

The potential for an orthopedic injury is all around us. Damaging bones, tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and more could happen in a variety of ways. We’ve taken the time to explain the causes and severity potential in each one. If you or a loved one has suffered an orthopedic injury, contact us today to see if we can help.

Ankle Injuries

Suffering an ankle injury can prevent you from walking, working and enjoying everyday activities. When such an injury results from an accident, it’s normal to feel frustrated and uncertain how you will pay your bills.

There are many types of ankle injuries

The ankle is a complex joint that aids foot movement. Multiple ligaments circle the ankle and joints, helping to connect the bones of the leg and foot together. Injuries include:

• Arthritis – Arthritis refers to inflammation in and around joints and soft tissues. In the ankle, a common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, a condition that affects the joint and surrounding tissues.
• Chronic ankle instability – Chronic ankle instability refers to an ankle prone to “giving way” on the outer side. Frequently, the condition happens after repeated sprains that do not heal properly and sometimes  due to a severe fracture.
• Dislocated ankle – A dislocated ankle is characterized by tearing of the connective tissue surrounding the ankle joint and displacement of the bones forming the joint. Dislocation typically occur because of a traumatic force pushing the bones apart.
• Fractures – A fracture describes a break in one or more of your bones. Most often, the tibia or fibula is fractured. Broken ankle bones frequently happen due to trauma, falls or car crashes.
• Nerve damage – Injury or disease of structures near the ankle  can damage the tibial nerve. The tibial nerve supplies movement and sensation to the calf and foot muscles. Nerves are frequently injured by pressure from a ligament on the inner part of the ankle.
• Sprains – Damage to your ankle ligaments can result in a sprain. A sharp twist or turn of the foot can lead to a sprain. The injuries generally cause pain, swelling and inhibited movement.
• Strains – Strains result in an injury to a muscle or tendon in your ankle. Strains range from mild stretches of muscles or tendons to partial or complete tears.
• Tendon injuries – Tendon damage in your ankle can range from acute injuries that happen suddenly to chronic injuries that happen over time. Sporting accidents are a top reason for tendon damage. Basic types of ankle tendon injuries are tendonitis, tears and subluxation.

In many cases, a serious sporting injury, fall, work accident or vehicle crash results in ankle injuries. After an injury, health professionals will examine your injury to assess the damage. Frequently, an ankle X-ray is conducted to determine possible fractures, arthritis or other conditions. A doctor may also clinically examine your ankle and also order a  stress X-ray, a test that uncovers problems not caught on traditional X-rays. In addition, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be performed. In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair damage and devices such as screws, plates or wiring may be used to stabilize your ankle.

Back Injuries

Accident victims often suffer trauma and debilitating pain and disability from back injuries.  Because of the many bones, muscles, nerves, and tissues in your back, injuries to this area can impact various regions of the body and skeleton. If you have been injured in an accident, you need an attorney with knowledge and experience in anatomy, physiology, and medicine who can determine whether the cause of the injury was from an accident for which you can be compensated.

Types of back injuries range in severity

Back injuries frequently stem from serious car crashes, work accidents, falls and sporting mishaps. Harm can range from minor bruising to irreparably crushed bones. Common types of injuries are:

• Herniated discs – Often referred to as a slipped or ruptured disk, a herniated disc frequently occurs in the lower back. A disc starts to herniate when its jelly-like nucleus pushes against its outer ring because of a tear or sudden injury.
• Lumbar fractures – These are broken or splintered bones in the lumbar region of the back. The lumbar vertebrae reside in the lower region and are the five largest and strongest of all the vertebrae in your spine. Fractures in this area usually arise from severe trauma or weakening of the bone.
• Nerve injuries – Nerve damage in the back generally results from strained or compressed discs that rupture. These ruptures put pressure on one or more of the many nerves that run through the back. You experience pain when your nerve roots become compressed or irritated.
• Sacrum/Coccyx fractures – These are broken bones occurring in the sacrum or coccyx, the bones at the base of your spine (lower back).
• Sciatica – This painful condition happens when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched or compressed, usually because of a herniated disc or bone overgrowth.
• Spasms – Back spasms are sudden, abnormal contractions of the muscles. The spasms generally occur when a muscle becomes swollen or inflamed. Spasms can lead to extreme pain that becomes worse with movement.
• Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord damage is trauma to the spinal cord that runs through your body. Often, fractured bones or discs in your back cut into your spinal cord during a severe accident. Spinal cord injuries also occur if the spinal cord is pulled or compressed unnaturally.
• Spondylolisthesis – A slipping of the vertebra that usually happens at the base of the spine, this condition can occur from broken vertebra due to trauma or stress.
• Sprain – Back sprains result from torn or overstretched ligaments. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones to joints. Falling, twisting or being struck by a hard blow commonly causes sprains.
• Strain – Back strains refer to stretched or torn tendons and muscles. The back has a large, complex set of muscles that help support the spine and hold the body upright. Tendons are the tissues that link your muscles to bone. When strains occur, you may have extensive pain when moving, twisting or bending.
• Thoracic fractures– Fractures to the back most commonly occur in the thoracic spine, which is the middle portion of the spine. Thoracic fractures can happen because of too much pressure on your vertebra.

Medical treatment after a back injury

Back injuries are treated in a variety of ways depending on their severity. Victims who suffer severe injuries in accidents often require emergency stabilization. Medical professionals will then evaluate the extent of your injury by conducting tests such as X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans. Your physician also will assess your ability to move, feel and sense the position of your limbs. Treatment could include traction, medication, surgery or physical therapy. In some cases, victims are never able to recover full mobility following a back injury accident.

Elbow Injuries and Treatments

Injuries to the bone, ligaments or tendons in your elbow can result in severe pain and lack of movement. Injuries often require extensive surgeries and a long recovery, depending on their severity.  Victims of elbow injury accidents frequently miss work, lose income and have high medical expenses.

Types of elbow injuries vary

The elbow is a vital joint made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons allow your joint to move. When these structures become hurt or diseased, you can experience pain and immobility. Common types of injuries are:

• Arthritis – Trauma or injury to the elbow can damage cartilage in the joint, leading to arthritis. A common condition is osteoarthritis, which affects the cushioning cartilage on the ends of your elbow bones. As the cartilage erodes, your bones rub against each other, causing pain or mobility issues.
• Bursitis – This is inflammation or irritation of the bursa sacs that protect your elbow. These sacs are filled with fluid that reduce friction when you move. The olecranon bursa lies between the loose skin and the pointy bone at the back of your elbow.
• Dislocation – Like other joints in your body, a hard impact or unnatural twisting can lead to dislocation of your elbow. This means your bone is driven out of its socket and the joint surfaces of the elbow are separated.
• Fractures – Elbow breaks can occur in any of the three bones. This includes fractures in the humerus, radius or ulna. Breaks in these bones can prevent you from rotating your forearm.
• Ligament injuries – Ligaments in your elbow can become stretched, frayed or torn due to an injury, dislocation or repeated stress. The prime ligaments are the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). If ligament injuries do not properly heal, your elbow can become unstable.
• Muscle injuries – Torn or damaged muscles in the elbow result from repeated stress, an injury or the unnatural pulling or twisting.
• Nerve damage – A pitched nerve, also called nerve entrapment, can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness. A commonly injured elbow nerve is the ulnar nerve. Pressure and irritation of this nerve can cause cubital tunnel syndrome.
• Repetitive motion disorders – Repetitive motion disorders (RMDs) are a group of muscle conditions that result from repeated motions of the elbow. RMDs include carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, ganglion cyst, tenosynovitis, and trigger finger.
• Tennis elbow – Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition resulting from overuse. Playing tennis or other recreational sports can cause this condition.

• Tendinitis – Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of your elbow tendons. Severe tendinitis can cause tendon rupture and may require surgical repair.

Elbow injuries often happen after falling onto an outstretched arm, a direct impact to the elbow or a twisting injury. Many times, multiple injuries occur at the same time such as dislocations, fractures and strains. Vehicle crashes and others serious injury accidents are common causes of elbow problems.

Treatment of elbow injuries

After an elbow injury, you may suffer stiffness and pain. Depending on the extent of your injury, your doctor may provide a variety of treatments to help repair your damaged elbow. Injury treatments can include:

• Casts or slings
• Surgery
• Splints
• Traction
• Infection control
• Over-the-counter medication
• Prescription medication
• Physical therapy
• Heat massage

Leg Injuries and Treatments

Your legs enable you to perform key daily functions including standing, walking and moving. That’s why injuries to your legs involvingi orthopedic damage can have such a drastic impact on your life. Serious leg injuries inhibit movement, making it challenging to work and enjoy personal activities.

Types of leg injuries

Your legs consist of bones, muscles, blood vessels and tissue, all which work together to keep your limbs properly functioning. When any of these essential areas are injured, you may have trouble moving and feeling your legs. Playing recreational sports, falling and being involved in serious accident can all lead to leg damage. Common leg injuries include:

• Compartment syndrome – This is a painful condition in which pressure within your muscles builds to dangerous levels. The pressure reduces blood flow, preventing oxygen from reaching your nerve and muscle cells. Compartment syndrome can occur because of a fracture, bruised muscle or improper medical care after leg surgery.
• Fractures – Broken bones can happen in any of the bones in your leg including the femur, tibia or fibula. Breaks range in severity from a minor stress fracture to an open fracture where bone breaks through the skin. Falls and car crashes are a top cause of broken legs.
• Hamstring injury – A hamstring injury is the strain or overstretching of one or more muscles in the back of your thigh. The injury can be a pull, a partial tear or a complete tear of your hamstring.
• Joint dislocation – A dislocation is an injury to your joint that force the ends of your bones out of position. In the leg, dislocations can involve the separating of your thighbone from your hip. Dislocation can result from falls, a hard impact or a serious sports injury.
• Muscle cramp – This is a forcibly contracted muscle that you cannot control or relax. Leg muscles prone to cramping are your hamstring and quadriceps. Cramps involve part or all of a muscle or multiple muscles in your leg.
• Nerve damage – Tears or trauma to your leg nerves cause varying degrees of damage. An injury to the femoral nerve in your leg can restrict feeling and the ability to straighten your legs.
• Sprains – Leg sprains are injuries to your ligaments – the soft tissue structures that connect two bones to make a stable joint.
• Strains –Strains in your leg occur when your muscles become overstretched or torn. The injuries can happen from a sporting injury, overuse of your muscles or an accident.
• Tendon injuries – Torn or injured tendons are a common reason for leg pain. This happens when your tendons become inflamed or irritated.  Tendon injuries in your leg commonly affect one or more tendons in your leg, foot or hip.
• Thrombophlebitis – Thrombophlebitis happens when a blood clot in your leg causes swelling in one or more of your veins. The condition can occur because of an injury to your veins or an inherited disorder.

Unlike other orthopedic and bone injuries that can be managed while you continue daily activities, leg injuries often ground you. Damage to your legs can lead to disability, a lack of sensation, and in some cases, permanent mobility loss.

Depending on the severity of your injury, medical treatment may include:

• Surgery
• Over-the-counter medication
• Prescription medication
• Traction
• Splints/Casts
• Infection management
• Amputation
• Prosthesis
• Physical therapy
• Heat therapy

Hand and Wrist Injuries

Your hands and wrists are key to the many activities you accomplish each day. When your hand, bones or muscles are injured, you are prevented from completing routine tasks, working, and even participating in your favorite hobbies. Even more frustrating is when those injuries are the result of an accident caused by someone’s negligence and careless conduct.

There are many types of wrist and hand injuries

Your hand, wrists and fingers consist of a number of bones, tendons and ligaments. Together they operate to help you lift, grasp and hold objects. Often, injuries to one segment of the hand affect other segments as well.  Hand and wrist injuries include:

• Arthritis – Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more of your joints. Arthritic conditions can affect the hand, wrist and fingers. The condition causes pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of bones and ligaments at the base of your hand. The tunnel contains nerves and tendons. Carpal tunnel syndrome stems from swelling and compression of those nerves.
• Dislocations – Dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. These injuries often are caused by a fall, sudden blow or a sports accident. Dislocations can happen in your finger joints. Bones in your wrist can also be forced out of place.
• Fractures – Fractures can occur in any of the 27 bones that make up your hand. Common are breaks in your carpels, metacarpals or phalanges. Fractures frequently happen during work accidents or serious falls.
• Nerve injuries – Hand nerves can be damaged by cuts, accidents or overstretching. Too much pressure on your hand or wrist can cause the nerves to stop working properly, leading to lack of sensation and/or movement.
• Sprains – Sprains are injuries to your ligaments – the soft tissue structures that connect two bones to make a stable joint. Sprains can happen in your fingers, thumbs or wrists.
• Strains –Strains in your hand occur when a muscle is overstretched or becomes torn. The injuries can happen from a sporting injury, overuse of your muscles or anaccident.
• Tendinitis – When tendons in the hand or fingers swell or become inflamed, tendinitis results. Tendons are flexible bands of tissue that connect your muscles to bones and help you move.
• Tendon tears – Tendons can tear during an injury in which they rip apart from your bone. This type of injury often happens to your extensor tendons, located on the back of the hands and fingers.

Injuries to your hands can drastically inhibit your ability to perform everyday tasks. Wrist and finger injuries may also require multiple surgeries and rehabilitative care. The causes of hand injuries vary, but often they are the result of serious falls, work accidents or motor vehicle crashes. If you are hurt in an accident, it’s important to get medical care if you notice any sign of a hand or wrist injury.

Contact a doctor if your hand or wrist becomes:

• Swollen and painful
• Difficult to move
• Deformed
• Has bones protruding through the skin
• Painful with bent fingers
• Numb

Knee Injuries

Knee injuries due to accidents can be the source of serious pain for victims, not to mention extensive health care bills and ongoing medical treatment. Often, injuries prevent victims from working, paying living expenses and supporting their families.

Types of knee injuries vary

The knee is a central component of your leg, contributing to your ability to stand, move and walk. Your joint consists of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid, all which allow the knee to bend. Damaged or injured structures lead to difficulty moving normally. Types of injuries include:

• Bursitis – Inflammation in the knee creates a condition called bursitis, an injury to the small lubricating sac between the shinbone and tendons of your hamstring muscle.
• Cartilage injuries – In the knee, articular cartilage or fibrocartilage can be injured or torn. Cartilage injures are the result of direct trauma to the knee or ongoing wear and tear.
• Dislocation – Dislocation of your kneecap happens when the bone covering the knee is forced or slides out of its socket. A sharp blow, such as in a fall, can pop the kneecap out of place.
• Baker’s cyst – This is a fluid-filled cyst that causes stiffness and a protruding bulge in your knee. Pain from the cyst can become worse when you flex. A Baker’s cyst results from inflammation or torn cartilage.
• Fractures –A broken kneecap (patella) is the most common fractured bone. The patella is a small bone located in front of your knee joint. Fractures can also occur in your shinbone, directly below your knee and in your femur, just above it.
• Ligament injuries – Trauma to your knee can result in injury to your  ligaments.   Sprains or strains can result, or even lead to the complete tearing of ligaments.   Such injuries may include: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)  tears or sprains; Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)tears or sprains; Medical Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears or sprains; Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) tears or sprains.
• Nerve damage – Sensation to your knee is provided by nerves that run through your lower back. Stretched or torn nerves can result in serious pain or loss of feeling.  A dislocation is one common cause of nerve damage.
• Hyperextended knee – A hyperextended knee happens when you knee is bent backward. The injury can damage your ligaments, cartilage and other structures.
• Tendon injuries – The most commonly injured tendons in the knee are the patellar and the quadriceps tendons.  Tendon injuries range from mild stretches to complete tears that require surgery. Sports injuries are a common cause of tendon tears.
• Meniscal tears – A meniscus tear is one of the most common types of  knee injury. A meniscus tear affects your meniscus, a rubbery, C-shaped disc that cushions your knee. The injury is often caused by sudden twisting or turning when the foot is planted and your knee is bent.

 

Participating in recreational sports, falling and being involved in a serious accident can all lead to knee damage. Severe injuries require extensive surgeries to repair knee damage. In some cases, a full knee replacement may be necessary. Other treatment options include medication, physical therapy, reconstructive surgery, compression and mobility devices such as crutches.

Neck Injuries

Neck injuries due to accidents can result in lasting pain and suffering for victims. The cost of medical bills and rehabilitative care can further disrupt victims’ lives and their ability to care for loved ones.

There are many types of neck injuries

Attorney Peter Ventura’s vast experience with neck injuries helps victims  obtain  successful  settlements

The neck is the start of the body’s spinal column, which contains close to two dozen bony segments called vertebrae. The neck has seven of these segments, known as the cervical vertebrae. Damage to your neck can cause a range of health problems throughout your body. Types of neck injuries (cervical injuries) include:

• Cervical dislocation – Dislocations can happen when your neck bone moves out of its normal position, resulting in spinal instability. This can happen due to a serious fall, injury or disease.
• Disc injuries – Herniated and sometimes protruding discs in the neck occur when all or part the soft, gelatinous substance inside the disc is pushed out. Tears in a disc can happen because of sudden or repeated forceful stress on a joint.
• Fractures – Neck fractures commonly result from a break in a cervical bone. Most fractures are caused by a sharp blow or impact to the neck. The degree of bone damage depends on the severity of the break.
• Muscle strain – Strains are injuries to the muscles running through the neck. The injuries can happen when a muscle is overexerted or twisted in an abnormal way.
• Nerve root injuries – Injuries to the nerve root, or brachial plexus, commonly involve compression or stretching of a nerve root in the neck. These injuries are referred to as “burners” or “stingers” because of their tendency to cause a sharp, burning pain that radiates from a victim’s shoulder down to the hand. These injuries are common in sports injuries and accidents.
• Spasms – These are involuntary contractions of the neck muscles. During a neck spasm, the muscles can become hard, tight and painful. Such injuries commonly stem from an injury or stress.
• Spinal cord injury – One of the most devastating neck injuries, spinal cord damage generally happens when a neck bone splinters and injuries the spinal cord. If the spinal cord is severely damaged, the victim may die, need a respirator to survive or become paralyzed.
• Sprains – Neck sprains are injuries to ligaments, which are the bands of connective tissue that hold bones in place. Sprains can happen due to forceful twists of the neck that overstretch or over-pressurize the joint. Sprains can be minor, moderate or severe.
• Stiff neck – A stiff, tight feeling in your neck can be the result of a strain or spasm of the neck muscles or due to inflammation of the neck joints.
• Whiplash – Whiplash is a soft tissue injury to the neck that arises when the head thrashes backward and forward. The sudden forceful movement can cause joint or disc damage, irritate nerves or potentially harm the spinal cord. Whiplash injuries frequently happen during car accidents.

Medical treatment after a neck injury

Victims who experience neck injuries after an accident should immediately seek medical attention. Health professionals will need to view images of your neck bones and soft tissue to examine the extent of damage. Tests that help doctors make a diagnosis include X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Computerized tomography (CT) scans. Physicians also will observe the stability of your neck and check for any nerve or spinal cord damage.

Long-term treatment of neck injuries depends on the severity of your injury. Common medical care after neck damage ranges from:

• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Prescription pain relievers
• Muscle relaxers
• Heat therapy
• Cervical traction
• Physical therapy
• Surgery
• Mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs
• Home care
• Long-term nursing care

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to get help after your neck injury. Victims often do not have the time or the energy to focus on legal battles with negligent parties anduncooperative insurance companies.

Foot Injuries and Treatments

Injuring your feet in an accident can drastically alter your life. Foot and toe injuries often prevent you from working, moving and maintaining your livelihood.

There are many types of foot injuries

Your foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and dozens of tendons, ligaments and muscles. All these structures work together to enable you to walk, stand and move. Damage to any of these sections can result in significant pain and mobility loss. Types of foot injuries include:

• Arthritis – Arthritis is inflammation in and around your joints and soft tissues. Your foot can be affected by three types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. Arthritic conditions generally develop after a fracture or severe sprain or as the result of ongoing wear and tear.
• Charcot foot – Charcot foot is characterized by weakening of the bones in your foot due to significant nerve damage. In some cases, your bones become so weak they easily fracture and can cause foot deformity.
• Compartment syndrome – This is a painful condition in which pressure within your muscles builds to dangerous levels. The pressure reduces blood flow, preventing oxygen from reaching your nerve and muscle cells. Compartment syndrome can occur because of a fracture, bruised muscle or improper medical care after surgery.
• Foot Fractures – Broken foot bones can range from tiny cracks to shattering breaks that pierce the skin. Foot fractures frequently happen due to direct trauma, falls or car crashes.
• Nerve injuries – Irritation and damage to your foot nerves can cause a burning, stabbing pain in your feet. Physical trauma, such as a surgery or an accident can lead to nerve damage and injuries.
• Sprains – Damage to the ligaments in your foot can result in a sprain. A sharp twist or turn of the foot can cause a sprain. The injuries generally cause pain, swelling and inhibited movement.
• Strains – Foot strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons in your foot. Strains range from mild stretches of muscles or tendons to partial or complete tears.
• Tendon injuries – Tendon damage in your foot can range from acute injuries that happen suddenly to chronic injuries that happen over time. A commonly injured tendon in your foot is the peroneal tendon. Sporting accidents are a primary reason for tendon damage.
• Toe fractures – Broken toes are among the most common fractures of the lower extremity. Toe fractures are commonly caused by a crushing injury or axial force such as jamming your toes into the ground. Joint hyperextension and stress fractures are also frequent toe injuries.

Vehicle crashes and severe accidents are common causes of foot and toe injuries. While the extent of these injuries differ, even minor foot damage can reduce victims’ movement and lead to ongoing medical care. Too often, negligent parties and uncooperative insurance companies attempt to ignore foot injury victims and their pain and suffering. That’s why injury accident victims need a qualified attorney who fights for their best interests.  Peter Ventura, Attorney at Law, can help. Mr. Ventura has secured numerous verdicts and settlements for injury accident victims. Let him get started on your case immediately by calling him today.

Hip and Pelvic Injuries

Hip and pelvic injuries can keep you from working, paying bills and being able to support your family. Broken and crushed hips regularly result in varying degrees of disability.

There are various types of pelvic injuries

The hip is a flexible joint where your thigh bone meets your pelvis bone. When healthy, it takes a great force to injury your pelvis such as the sudden impact of a vehicle accident. Common hip and pelvis injuries are:

• Dislocation – A hip dislocation occurs when the head of the thighbone is forced out of the pelvis socket. In most cases, your thighbone is pushed out of its socket in a backwards direction, leaving the hip bent and twisted.
• Hip fractures – Hip fractures are generally breaks in the upper part of your femur. Fractures can affect many bones and soft tissues around the injured area. Falls and car crashes are top causes of hip fractures.
• Labral Tear – Tears to your hip labral involve injury to the soft elastic tissue (labrum) at the outside rim of your hip joint socket. The labrum helps hold the ball at the top of your thighbone in place. Sporting accidents pose high risks for hip labral tears.
• Nerve injuries – Tears or trauma to your hip can cause damage to the femoral nerve in your hip. Femoral nerve injuries can restrict sensation in your hip and prevent you from straightening your legs.
• Osteoarthritis – A common form of arthritis that affects the hip, the condition occurs when cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones deteriorate.
• Osteoporosis – Osteoporosis, a chronic medical condition, can make your hip bones weak and more likely to fracture.
• Pelvic fractures – Broken bones can occur in any of the three bones that form your pelvis – the ilium, ischium and pubis. Pelvic fractures are associated with substantial bleeding, organ damage and nerve injury.
• Sprains – Sprains involve injury to the ligaments within your hip joint. Most hip sprains stem from an accident or traumatic impact to your hip, such as a fall or direct and forceful contact.
• Strains – When overuse or direct trauma stretches or tears the muscle fibers in your hip, the resulting injury is a hip strain.
• Snapping hip – Snapping hip is a condition in which you hear a popping noise or feel a snapping sensation in your hip when you move. The condition commonly results from tight muscles or sporting impact injuries.
• Tendinitis – Tendinitis is among the most common causes of hip pain. The condition refers to inflamed or irritated tendons. Tendonitis frequently occurs in the tendons around your hip.
• Trochanteric bursitis – This is inflammation of the bursa-fluid-filled sacs near joints, at the outside point of your hip. When the bursa becomes irritated or inflamed, trochanteric bursitis results. Bumping or striking your hip against objects can cause this condition.

Injuries to your hips can inflict serious pain, affect your mobility and prevent you from participating in routine activities.  Pelvic injuries often require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitative care. Treatment for your hip injury may include medication, surgery, physical therapy or hip replacement depending on its severity.

Shoulder Injuries and Treatments

Serious accidents can be the source of significant shoulder injuries such as broken bones, torn rotator cuff muscles, and torn ligaments. Pain from the injury is usually just the beginning of a long road to medical recovery. In some cases, victims are never able to fully regain their movement.

There are many types of shoulder injuries

Your shoulders involve the most movable joints in your entire body. To remain in a stable position, you must be sufficiently anchored by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Damage to your shoulders can lead to problems with posture, movement, and sensation. Common types of injuries are:

• Arthritis – Arthritic injuries in the shoulder can result from infection, inflammation of the joint or chronic wear and tear. The most common arthritic problem is osteoarthritis, a condition caused by repeated strain. Sports accidents and work injuries can cause the problem.
• Bursitis – Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa sacs that protect the shoulder. Bursa sacs are located between the tissues and are filled with fluid that reduces friction and irritation when you move.
• Dislocation – In the case of a dislocated shoulder, a strong force pulls outward or an extreme rotation of the joint pops the ball of the humerus out of the socket. Dislocations commonly occur from sudden jolts that leave the muscles unprepared to resist the motion.
• Fractures – The most common fractures in the shoulder are broken clavicle, humerus and scapula bones. Such fractures are often caused by a fall from a standing position or a high-impact injury such as from a motor vehicle crash.
• Frozen Shoulder/Adhesive Capsulitis – Frozen shoulder is characterized by pain and stiffness in your joints. It can develop when adhesions (abnormal bands of tissue) grow between the joint surfaces of the shoulder, restricting motion.
• Nerve damage – Nerve damage is caused by injuries to nerve roots. Nerve injuries frequently originate from sudden trauma to the neck and shoulder.

• Rotator cuff injuries– Your rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that connect your upper arm to your shoulder blade. Harm to your rotator cuff can involve tears or splits to this area from an injury or degeneration.
• Sprain – A sprain is the tearing or stretching of the ligaments that stabilize your shoulder. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that cross joints and connect bones.
• Strain – Strain refers to injuries to the soft tissues of the shoulder.
• Tendon inflammation/tendinitis – Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon. In tendinitis of the shoulder, the tendons surrounding your rotator cuff or biceps become irritated usually after being pinched by surrounding structures. Tendinitis varies from mild to severe inflammation.
• Tendon tears – Tearing or splitting of your shoulder tendons happen due to a sudden injury like a sporting accident or work injury. Tendons can be partially torn or completely split into two pieces.

Serious shoulder injuries frequently land victims in the hospital or rehabilitative care centers. In 2006, nearly 1.5 million people visited an emergency room with similar problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In many instances, shoulder injuries stemmed from on-the-job accidents, car crashes and serious falls.

Know the symptoms of shoulder injuries

Shoulder pain is often an indicator of a more serious injury or condition. After suffering a work or car accident, victims may not realize the extent of their injury. It’s essential to visit a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms in your shoulder:

• Intense pain
• Sudden swelling
• Stiffness
• The inability to rotate your shoulder into normal positions
• An unstable shoulder that feels as if it could pop or slide out of the socket
• A lack of strength in your daily activites
• Pain accompanied by swelling, redness or tenderness around the joint
• A deformed joint

Worcester Injury Attorney

Our practice is known for its attention to detail in the development and presentation of damages claims. This can represent a significant advantage for people whose recovery from broken bones or soft tissue damage presents complications of any kind.

For additional information about our approach to damages claims for fractures or other musculoskeletal problems, contact a knowledgeable Worcester orthopedic injury lawyer at the law firm of Peter Ventura, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation.

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