New York Compression Fracture Injury

The spinal column consists of 33 vertebral bones which encapsulate and provide protection for the spinal cord. Nerves from the spinal cord pass through the spaces between the vertebrae. A collapse of one or more of the vertebrae is known as a compression fracture. Compression fracture is most often the result of trauma. The New York Spinal Injury Attorney team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC had found compression fracture is most commonly caused by car accident and or a truck accident, an ejection seat or a high distance fall. Our New York Compression Fracture Injury Lawyer team has discovered that the accident leading to a compression fracture can be result of another party’s intentional or unintentional actions. These actions may leave you physically impaired, frustrated, confused and unable to perform daily tasks. Contacting the New York Spinal Injury Lawyer staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC may be necessary to successfully mitigate your claim and gain the monetary compensation you are entitled to.

Often a compression fracture may present no symptoms and may only be discovered through X-rays during testing for other injuries. However, a compression fracture can cause severe pain and may also happen suddenly such as during a motor vehicle accident. Other symptoms may include:

• Loss of height
• Dowager’s Hump
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Difficulty walking
• Loss of bowel function
• Loss of bladder function

Compression fracture may be diagnosed by a variety of tests and scans, as in a physical examination, X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scans) or Computerized Tomography (CT scans). Compression fracture often appears as a wedge-shaped deformity in the vertebrae. Kyphosis (hump-like spinal curvature) may result from a compression fracture of multiple vertebrae.

Initially, treatment of a compression fracture may only require bed rest and medication. Typically surgical treatment is rarely considered. Surgical treatment is necessary when there is a loss of function due to pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Periodically vertebral fusion is required for stabilization. If pain medication, bed rest and physical therapy do not relieve back pain, surgical treatment may be suggested. Two minimally invasive procedures are often utilized: Balloon Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty. Balloon kyphoplasty requires the insertion of a large needle into the compressed vertebra. A balloon is pushed through the needle into the bone and inflated. The vertebra is decompressed and filled with cement to prevent repeated collapse. Vertebroplasty is similar to kyphoplasty except the cement is injected directly into the bone without the use of a balloon. Both procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia. Trauma-related compression fracture often requires the use of a brace to protect the bone while it heals. Physical therapy is crucial to help restore muscle strength and spinal mobility. A compression fracture will typically heal in eight to twelve weeks, but recovery time is much longer if surgical treatment is utilized. If the procedure isn’t done correctly permanent injury can result and give rise to a medical malpractice claim.

If you are suffering from a compression fracture and have been denied medical treatment or received inappropriate medical treatment, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the negligent healthcare provider, physical therapist or physician. Contact our experienced New York Injury Attorney staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC to discover your possible options.

Compression fracture may elicit dramatic mood swings, depression and loss of quality of life. The physical impairment associated with compression fracture can lead to high medical bills, loss of wages and permanent impairment. Every New York Spinal Injury Attorney at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC understands the physical and emotional strain compression fracture can induce and may be able to help get your life back on track.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a compression fracture or other spinal injury, contact our New York Compression Fracture Lawyer or New York Spinal Injury Attorney team with Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC at 800.696.9529 or online for a review of your case. Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC has offices conveniently located throughout the New York City area in Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Westchester County and in the Long Island area in Suffolk and Nassau County.