Whiplash injury: 30-year follow-up of a single series.
We have reviewed 22 patients at a mean of 30 years (28 to 31) after a whiplash injury. A complete recovery had been made in ten (45.5%) while one continued to describe severe symptoms. Persistent disability was associated with psychological distress but both improved in the period between 15 and 30 years after injury. After 30 years, ten patients (45.5%) were more disabled by knee than by neck pain.
Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK. jemma.rooker@doctors.net.uk
J
J
Rooker
M
M
Bannister
R
R
Amirfeyz
B
B
Squires
M
M
Gargan
G
G
Bannister
D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*