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Whiplash syndrome. Fact or fiction?
S A Hirsch1, P J Hirsch, H Hiramoto
1Somerset Medical Center, Somerville, New Jersey.
The Orthopedic Clinics of North America
|October 1, 1988
Summary
Whiplash injuries, common in car accidents, involve complex soft tissue damage in the cervical spine. These injuries can lead to long-term neurological, muscular, and skeletal issues requiring orthopedic care.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Traumatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Rear-end impact motor vehicle accidents frequently cause cervical injuries.
- Whiplash injury, a common outcome, involves complex soft tissue damage.
- Potential for long-term functional alterations exists.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the nature of whiplash injuries.
- To emphasize the potential for long-term functional deficits.
- To advocate for standard orthopedic evaluation and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of common cervical injuries in motor vehicle accidents.
- Description of the typical injury patterns in whiplash.
- Application of orthopedic principles for assessment.
Main Results:
- Whiplash injuries are the most common cervical trauma from rear-end collisions.
- Extensive soft tissue injury in the cervical spine is characteristic.
- Neurologic, muscular, and skeletal functions may be altered long-term.
Conclusions:
- Whiplash injuries require comprehensive orthopedic evaluation.
- Standard orthopedic principles are essential for managing these complex injuries.
- Early and appropriate management can mitigate long-term functional consequences.