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Spiral fractures, also called torsion fractures, are a type of fracture that can occur in a variety of bones in the body, including the femur (thigh bone), the tibia and fibula (the bones below the knee), and radius and ulna (the bones below the elbow). Spiral fractures occur when torsion or twisting forces are applied to a bone along the median axis. A common example of a spiral fracture is when it occurs to a skier. The skier’s foot is in a relatively hard boot that is bound to the ski. If the skier loses control and falls, the boot may not become unbound from the ski, the skier’s body can violently twist in one direction while the leg, boot, and ski remain stationary. As a result, the skier’s bone(s) can twist and break. On an x-ray, a spiral fracture appears to have a helical or a corkscrew fracture line. Spiral fractures are highly unstable and because of this corkscrewed break, spiral fractures can be difficult to treat. Spiral fractures can also occur more readily as a result of personal malnutrition. Pain and outer tissue swelling (edema) including bruising are usually hallmarks of most bone fractures.

Spiral fractures are often confused with oblique fractures (fractures that have a similar break line to that of spiral fractures but do not resemble a corkscrew). Therefore, diagnosis can be difficult. An x-ray of the affected bone is taken and a comparison is made between sample x-rays of oblique fractures and other spiral fractures.

Treatment of spiral fractures generally involves the use of pins to hold this unique bone break in place. This will ensure that the bone heals properly. The leg, affected limb, or digit is then cast. Because of the awkward nature of the break, healing may take longer than what is typical of other bone fractures.

Work related spiral fractures can occur in a variety of ways. Examples include slip and falls, a fall from a great height, and situations when a worker’s foot, leg, hands, or arm becomes pinned, like in the rung of a ladder or crevasse in a floor or work area while the worker falls or twists in one direction.

Attorney’s Fees

Your attorney should almost always charge a contingency fee. Therefore, unless you win your case, you will not have to pay your attorney anything. Depositions and other litigation costs should also be initially covered by the attorney. All fees, costs and expenses will be deducted from the amount that you recover should you win.

Choosing an Attorney

Attorneys who we recommend will have experience in workers’ compensation and will have handled many different situations where workers have sustained bone fractures. An attorney with experience will offer a better chance of prevailing in your claim. No lawyer can guarantee success, but you have the best chance at a good result by hiring an attorney who has years of success, a narrow practice focus and a track record of success with similar injuries to yours.

If you would like our help in finding a law firm in Illinois that has the type of experience you need, please contact us at (800) 517-1614. Calls are free of charge and confidential. We don’t promise a result, but you have our word that we will not recommend any lawyer for you that we wouldn’t hire ourselves.