What Is a Full Thickness Tear in New Hampshire and Why Do Early MRIs Matter?
TL;DR: A full thickness tear happens when a tendon completely separates from the bone. Early MRIs are critical for diagnosis, treatment, and legal protection. Waiting can harm both your recovery and your personal injury case in New Hampshire.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Full Thickness Tear?
- Why Does Timing Matter for MRIs?
- How Can an Early MRI Protect Your Legal Rights?
- What Should You Do If You Suspect a Full Thickness Tear?
- FAQs
When you suffer a sudden injury to your shoulder, knee, or another joint, the pain can be overwhelming. Sometimes the damage is more than a sprain or strain—it could be a full thickness tear. This type of injury doesn’t just affect your ability to work or enjoy daily life. It also requires immediate medical attention and often plays a critical role in personal injury cases here in New Hampshire.
What Is a Full Thickness Tear?
A full thickness tear occurs when a tendon completely rips away from the bone, leaving no fibers still attached. This is very different from a partial tear, where at least some tendon tissue remains connected. Full thickness tears are most common in the shoulder’s rotator cuff, but they can also occur in the knee, hip, or ankle.
The impact of this type of injury goes beyond discomfort. Tendons are what anchor muscle to bone. When the tendon tears fully, the muscle cannot do its job. Everyday movements like lifting your arm to put on a jacket, climbing stairs, or even gripping objects may suddenly become impossible.
You’ll often know something serious has happened right away. Common signs include:
- A popping or tearing sensation at the moment of injury
- Immediate and sharp pain
- Significant weakness in the joint
- Difficulty raising or moving the limb
- Swelling, bruising, or a visible deformity
Unlike sprains or strains, these injuries almost never improve on their own. Without medical intervention, the tendon can retract further from the bone, scar tissue can develop, and surrounding muscles may weaken. Over time, untreated tears can permanently limit your mobility. That’s why taking the injury seriously from the start is critical.
Why Does Timing Matter for MRIs?
When you suffer an injury, the first medical stop is often an X-ray. But X-rays only show bone, they cannot detect soft tissue damage. An MRI can and it creates a detailed image of the tendons, ligaments, and muscles, allowing doctors to confirm whether you have a partial tear or a full thickness tear.
Getting this imaging early matters for several reasons:
- Immediate diagnosis: The sooner the tear is identified, the sooner treatment can begin. For some patients, prompt physical therapy may strengthen the joint enough to avoid surgery. For others, early surgery offers the best chance for a full recovery.
- Better surgical outcomes: If surgery is required, timing is key. As weeks pass, the torn tendon may retract, scar tissue may form, and muscle may deteriorate. These changes make surgery more complicated and reduce the likelihood of regaining full function.
- Accurate medical records: An MRI done right after an accident or injury creates a clear, date-stamped record of your condition. That record can show that the tear directly resulted from the incident, leaving little room for insurance companies to argue otherwise.
In New Hampshire, like anywhere else, insurers often challenge serious injury claims. If you wait months to get imaging, they may claim the injury was pre-existing, or worse, caused by something that happened after the accident. Acting quickly not only protects your health but also strengthens your case. Gaps in care make it easier for insurers to dispute the connection between the accident and the injury.
How Can an Early MRI Protect Your Legal Rights?
If your injury comes from a car crash, workplace accident, or slip and fall, the stakes are higher than just medical recovery. You’ll likely need compensation for medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering.
An early MRI helps your legal case in several ways:
- Proof of injury: Imaging provides undeniable evidence of the severity of the tear.
- Link to the accident: The closer in time the MRI is to the incident, the stronger the connection between the two.
- Stronger settlement position: With documented proof, your personal injury attorney in New Hampshire can push back against insurance companies who try to downplay your injury through delay tactics.
Waiting too long allows the defense to argue your tear may have come from a later activity or a pre-existing condition. By acting quickly, you remove that doubt.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Full Thickness Tear?
A full thickness tear changes your life, but early action can make all the difference. Don’t wait to get the medical care and legal guidance you need. Our slip and fall accident attorneys use MRI evidence to build strong claims backed by a proven record of success in why clients choose us. At Buckley Law Offices, we’ll help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us now to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward recovery and justice.
FAQs
What is the difference between a full thickness tear and a partial tear?
A full thickness tear means the tendon is completely detached from the bone, while a partial tear leaves some fibers still attached. Full tears typically require more aggressive treatment.
What are the most common symptoms of a full thickness tear?
Victims often report a popping sound, immediate sharp pain, weakness in the joint, and difficulty moving the limb. Swelling, bruising, or visible deformities may also appear.
Why are MRIs better than X-rays for diagnosing tears?
X-rays only show bones. MRIs reveal soft tissue injuries like tendon tears, ligament damage, and muscle involvement, providing a clear picture of the injury.
Can waiting to get an MRI affect surgery outcomes?
Yes. The longer you wait, the more the tendon can retract, scar tissue can form, and muscles can deteriorate. These changes make surgery harder and reduce recovery success.
How do early MRIs strengthen personal injury claims?
An early MRI creates a date-stamped medical record linking the injury to the accident. This reduces the chance of insurers arguing the injury was pre-existing or unrelated.
Are full thickness tears always caused by accidents?
Not always. Some tears are due to overuse or aging. However, traumatic incidents like crashes or falls are common causes that can lead to strong legal claims.
Why should I contact a lawyer after being diagnosed with a full thickness tear?
A lawyer can use MRI evidence to build your case, negotiate with insurers, and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
