title: The prognosis of neck injuries resulting from rear-end vehicle collisions.
abstract: Injury 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.
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007342:Insurance Benefits; D007346:Insurance, Accident; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging