Yes, Your Broken Bone Can Lead to Lasting Injuries and Complications

When you think of a broken bone, you might not think that it would be serious. There are some instances, however, where broken bones are emergencies that require significant medical treatment.

Additionally, a broken bone could lead to complications such as osteomyelitis, compartment syndrome or an infection. That’s why treatment is always important.

What Happens if Your Bone Won’t Heal Correctly?

If you have a bone that won’t heal, there could be a few issues. It could be a delayed union or nonunion fracture, which is when the bone takes much longer to reconnect or cannot reconnect at all. When a bone fails to heal, infections, trauma and other causes may be considered. Sometimes, surgery is required.

Malunions are also possible. These are unions where the bone does not connect in the right area. An abnormal position can cause this, which is why having a bone set by a professional is essential after a serious break.

Finally, remember that any bone that breaks through the skin could be at risk of infection. Bone infections, called osteomyelitis, happen when bacteria enter the wound. Sometimes, though rarely, surgeries to set a bone can allow bacteria in and lead to this complication.

If your bone won’t heal after you receive treatment, surgery or amputation may be considered. With an unhealed bone, patients often deal with chronic pain and dysfunction.

Broken bones can be extremely serious, so if you’re involved in a crash or suffer injuries in an accident, make sure you get medical attention. Good medical support can help reduce the risk of complications. The at-fault party should be liable for the costs associated with your care, so seek the attention you need.