The prognosis of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions

Norris, S. H.; Watt, I.

Affiliations

¹Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield 55 7AU, England

²Department of Radiodiagnosis, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, England

Abstract

njury of the neck may result when a motor vehicle is run into from behind; such injury is frequently the cause of prolonged disability and litigation. We report a series of 61 patients with these injuries. A classification, based upon the presenting symptoms and physical signs has been evolved. This classification is shown to be a reliable basis for formulating a prognosis. Factors which adversely affect prognosis include the presence of objective neurological signs, stiffness of the neck, muscle spasm, and pre-existing degenerative spondylosis.

Links

DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.65B5.6643566

PubMed: 6643566

WoS: A1983SJ47000018

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