Citation

Karnezis IA, Drosos GI, Kazakos KI. Arch. Orthop. Trauma Surg. 2007; 127(8): 633-636.

Affiliation

Back Care Network, Kyprou 29, 154 62, Athens, Greece. mail@ioanniskarnezis.gr

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Springer Verlag)

DOI

10.1007/s00402-007-0344-5

PMID

17487496

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A cohort of 134 patients presenting in medico-legal practice with whiplash neck injury following a motor vehicle accident was studied prospectively by personal interviewing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Injury- and patient-related factors with possible influence to the timing of recovery were analysed with univariate and multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed significant association between high physical demand patient occupation and recovery within 6 months from injury (P = 0.036, coefficient 1.5, odds ratio 4.47) while initiation of physiotherapy treatment was associated with prolongation of symptoms for more than 6 months following injury (P < 0.001, coefficient -2.6, odds ratio 0.08). An association between development of arm pain (P = 0.01), upper limb numbness or paraesthesia (P = 0.03) and bilateral trapezius pain (P = 0.04) and persistence of whiplash-related symptoms was also observed. These findings must be taken into account in evaluation and treatment of patients with acute whiplash injuries pursuing litigation.

Language: en