Hidden Dangers In Slip And Fall Injuries: The Importance Of Diagnosing Ligament Instability

In this article, you can discover…

• How VMA imaging is changing the diagnosis of ligament instability
• How soon after your clients’ fall to schedule a VMA session
• How ligament instability can impact a client’s long-term health if undiagnosed

How Does VMA Imaging Compare To Traditional Diagnosis?

When a patient is injured severely enough to require an ambulance ride to the hospital, traditional diagnostic tools such as X-rays and CT scans are typically used. In the longer term, MRI imaging may also be employed to assess injuries.

However, these traditional imaging methods provide only a static picture of the spine, limiting their ability to detect subtle injuries. In contrast, Vertebral Motion Analysis (VMA) offers a clear, real-time view of spinal motion. By capturing dynamic images as the patient moves through a range of flexing and extension motions, VMA enables doctors to identify subtle ligamentous injuries far more quickly and accurately.

This dynamic approach helps doctors pinpoint exactly where and how an injury impacts the spine, providing essential evidence to support accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for your client.

How Soon After An Accident Should VMA Be Used For Diagnosis?

The optimal time for VMA imaging is typically between two to six weeks after an injury. If performed too soon, extreme pain and stiffness can prevent your client from completing the full range of motion required for accurate imaging.

By the two-week mark, pain and swelling have often subsided enough for the patient to move more freely. This allows for a complete range of flexion and extension, ensuring the VMA images provide a clear and detailed assessment of the injury.

How Does VMA Uncover Hidden Injuries And Strengthen A Personal Injury Claim?

While traditional imaging tools like X-rays and MRIs can identify broken bones or herniated discs, VMA imaging goes a step further by revealing subtle, hidden injuries. It helps pinpoint the source of your client’s pain, stiffness, and mobility issues, providing clear evidence of the severity and impact of their injuries.

VMA is particularly effective in identifying ligament instability in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine. This dynamic, medically accepted imaging provides vivid proof of injuries like whiplash that may not appear on static imaging.

The more compelling evidence you have to demonstrate the extent and impact of your client’s injuries, the stronger their case—and the greater the damages they may be able to claim.

Mediserve Diagnostics & Therapeutics specializes in using Vertebral Motion Analysis (VMA) technology to diagnose spinal injuries that traditional imaging often overlooks. For over 15 years, they have worked alongside personal injury attorneys to ensure their clients receive accurate diagnoses and the targeted treatment necessary for full recovery.

By highlighting hidden injuries sustained in slip and fall accidents, patients not only experience better physical healing but also strengthen their legal cases for maximum financial recovery. When your clients receive the right diagnosis, it leads to the right treatment—and better outcomes for their health and legal claims.

If you’re ready to help your clients achieve both optimal health and the financial recovery they deserve, contact Mediserve Diagnostics & Therapeutics today to schedule a consultation.

What Symptoms And Complaints Suggest Ligament Instability After A Slip And Fall Accident?

The most common symptoms of ligament instability are neck pain or lower back pain:

• Cervical ligament instability typically causes pain in the neck.
• Lumbar ligament instability often presents as pain in the lower back.

With these injuries, any physical activity—such as lifting, bending, or even simple movements—can worsen the pain. Once a ligament is stretched or torn, it often leads to chronic or constant pain, making everyday tasks increasingly difficult and uncomfortable.

How Does Ligament Instability Impact Healing And Functionality After An Injury?

After a serious injury, many patients continue to perform everyday movements—such as bending, reaching, or flexing—as they normally would. This ongoing activity places strain on the injured ligaments, making it significantly harder for them to heal properly.

Because ligament instability does not typically appear on X-rays, many patients fail to receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Without proper care, the condition can become chronic, potentially leading to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and even permanent impairment in some cases.

How Can VMA Imaging Positively Impact A Personal Injury Case?

VMA imaging provides early, precise evidence of serious and often hidden injuries, strengthening your client’s case. By clearly documenting the injuries and their impact on your client’s daily life, VMA helps demonstrate the full extent of the harm, increasing the likelihood of securing appropriate damages.

Additionally, an accurate diagnosis early in the process can help prevent chronic health issues or long-term disabilities. VMA imaging enhances the specificity of recovery plans, guiding treatment and helping clients avoid repetitive movements or activities that could worsen their injuries or hinder healing.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on VMA Diagnostics, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling our team today.