Whiplash: a biochemical study of muscle injury.
Outcome following whiplash injury of the cervical spine is variable, and the pathology of those with prolonged symptoms is uncertain. We undertook a prospective study in 25 patients to identify whether those with prolonged symptoms following whiplash injury exhibit a rise in serum creatine kinase consistent with significant muscle damage at the time of injury. Transient rise in creatine kinase level was seen in only 2 of 25 patients, neither of whom complained of prolonged symptoms. Of the 8 patients who developed chronic symptoms following whiplash injury, none demonstrated a serum creatine kinase rise. Prolonged symptoms following whiplash injury cannot be explained by biochemically measurable muscle damage.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle, UK. Scott@Cleadon11.Freeserve.co.uk
S
S
Scott
P L
PL
Sanderson
D000328:Adult; D003402:Creatine Kinase / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000293:injuries*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000097:blood*
D003402:Creatine Kinase