MRI analysis of the size and shape of the oropharynx in chronic whiplash.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify differences in the size/shape of the oropharynx between female subjects with whiplash and controls.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort.


METHODS
A total of 113 subjects (79 whiplash, 34 controls) were included. T1-weighted MRI was used to measure 1) cross-sectional area (CSA [mm(2)]) and 2) shape ratios for the oropharynx. Reliability data were established.


RESULTS
Whiplash subjects had significantly smaller oropharynx CSAs (P < 0.001) and shape ratios (P < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. Self-reported levels of pain and disability and duration of symptoms were not associated with size and shape of the oropharynx in whiplash subjects (P = 0.75 and P = 0.99, respectively). Age and BMI did influence the size (P = 0.01) and shape of the oropharynx (P < 0.001) in the whiplash subjects, but only 20 to 30 percent of the variance could be explained by these factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant difference in the size and shape of the oropharynx was noted in subjects with chronic whiplash compared with controls. Future studies are required to investigate the relationships between oropharynx morphometry and symptoms in patients with chronic whiplash.
Elliott
James
J
Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. jelltt@regis.edu
Cannata
Emma
E
Christensen
Eric
E
Demaris
Joel
J
Kummrow
John
J
Manning
Erin
E
Nielsen
Elizabeth
E
Romero
Tomas
T
Barnes
Clifford
C
Jull
Gwendolen
G
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D009929:Organ Size; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*