Motor vehicle accidents often cause severe injuries that require surgical treatment. Following a serious collision, doctors may recommend several types of surgeries.
Orthopedic surgery
Collisions often cause broken bones and joint damage. Doctors may perform orthopedic surgery to fix these issues. They might use plates, screws, or rods to stabilize broken bones and help them heal correctly. In some cases, doctors may need to replace damaged joints, like hips or knees, to restore movement.
Spinal surgery
Motor vehicle accidents can also hurt the spine. If a collision leads to problems like herniated discs or broken vertebrae, doctors might need to perform spinal surgery. This can include removing damaged discs or fusing vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. These surgeries are important for preventing long-term problems and helping patients regain their abilities.
Internal organ surgery
Severe collisions can damage internal organs, such as the liver or kidneys. Doctors might need to perform surgery to repair or remove these organs, stop internal bleeding, or fix other issues. In very serious cases, emergency surgery might be necessary to stabilize the patient and avoid life-threatening problems.
Traumatic brain surgery
For head injuries resulting in bleeding, swelling, or skull fractures, they may require traumatic brain surgery. This could involve a craniotomy to relieve pressure or repair damage. Following such surgeries, patients typically undergo specialized physical therapy or rehabilitation sessions to aid in recovery, focusing on regaining cognitive and physical functions impacted by the injury.
Moving forward
Knowing about the possible surgeries after a serious collision can help you manage recovery expectations. If you or a loved one has been in a motor vehicle accident, talking to medical professionals will help you understand the best treatment and recovery plan. Being prepared can make the recovery process smoother.