Whiplash: fact or fiction?

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2005 Jan;34(1):23-8.

Abstract

Cervical sprain/strain or whiplash injuries are a common cause of acute and chronic musculoskeletal impairments and are ubiquitous after rear-end automobile collisions. The diagnosis is largely subjective and the ideal treatment controversial. Unfortunately, the majority of compensated litigation claims are associated with whiplash-type injuries secondary to motor vehicle accidents. Fortunately, many recent advances have led to better understanding of the collision and injury biomechanics and to development of a prognostic classification system, objective diagnostic tests, an array of treatment modalities, and, most important, safer automobiles. These advances will undoubtedly lead to decreased incidence, a more accurate diagnosis, and a tailored management regimen resulting in improved outcomes and ultimately fewer legal proceedings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Cervical Vertebrae / injuries
  • Cervical Vertebrae / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Whiplash Injuries*