Many fractures or broken bones only require basic medical intervention. The patient requires an x-ray to confirm that the bone is broken and assist with properly setting the broken bone. Medical professionals apply a cast to prevent people from re-injuring or improperly using the affected body part.

After weeks of healing, the cast comes off. The patient may need to undergo physical therapy to regain their strength and range of motion. Broken bones often only cost a few thousand dollars, if that.

In some cases, broken bones can be far more expensive. What scenarios increase the financial impact of a fracture?

1. When children injure their growth plates

Fractures in children may require more extensive medical support than a similar fracture in an adult. A child’s growing body needs to continue developing in an even manner.

If a fracture damages the growth plate, that may have long-term implications. The amount of care the child requires is substantially higher if a fracture affects the growth plate.

2. When the fracture is extreme

There are several types of fractures that are more severe than the average broken bone. Some people develop open or compound fractures. The force that breaks the bone is so powerful that it forces the bone through the skin. Patients often have to undergo surgery and are at risk of numerous secondary consequences.

People may also experience comminuted fractures. They may develop a spiral fracture if there is a twisting pressure applied when the bone breaks. Crush injuries can also break a bone into many tiny pieces. Such fractures often require surgery and may not heal as completely as less severe breaks.

3. When the body heals improperly

In a small percentage of cases, people with broken bones do not heal appropriately. They develop permanent nerve disorders because of how the body responds to the trauma of the fracture.

The medical condition complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) sometimes develops after a fracture. People may notice worsening pain even though the broken bone has technically healed. Their symptoms may worsen over time. CRPS can prevent people from working blue-collar professions or affect their ability to live independently.

Learning that fractures from car crashes can be incredibly expensive may help people respond appropriately after a wreck. Delaying insurance settlement negotiations until the scope of the injury is known can be a smart choice even if the injury seems treatable at first.