Car crashes can result in devastating injuries for the affected parties. Several areas of your body are exposed during a collision and none more so than your legs.
One of the more delicate areas of your legs is the knee. The knee is not designed to suffer blunt force, trauma or strains. Outlined below are some of the more common knee injuries associated with car crashes.
Damaged ligaments
The knee comprises four major ligaments, the ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL. Damage to any of these ligaments can result in severe pain, discomfort and an extended period of recovery. While MCL damage often doesn’t require surgery, the length of downtime to recover often amounts to several months. For severe damage to the other ligaments, surgery and rehabilitative surgery are typically required.
Damage to the ligaments can occur with the blunt force of an accident or the knee being twisted in an unusual position. Ligaments are also frequently damaged in conjunction with a fractured bone or dislocated knee joint.
Fractured kneecap
The kneecap offers protection to some of the components that have already been discussed. Unfortunately, while carrying out this duty, the kneecap can be damaged itself. Minor injuries to the kneecap, such as bruising, can heal on their own. However, where the kneecap has been fractured, the pain level increases and the recovery period extends. Many people are able to get back on their feet again after 6-8 weeks. Nevertheless, the pain and discomfort associated with such an injury can go on for several months.
If your knee has been damaged because someone else has been careless on the road, then you may be entitled to legal compensation for your pain and suffering. To get what you deserve, be sure to contact someone with experience in the field of personal injury claims.
