Early coping strategies do not influence the prognosis after whiplash injuries

This is a 1-year prospective study to investigate the prognostic value of coping strategies such as catastrophising for persistent pain after a whiplash injury. A consecutive series of 96 patients who were seen in the emergency room in the acute phase after the injury were followed prospectively for 1 year. Age, gender and whether or not pain in the neck preceded the accident was recorded. Cases involving fractures or dislocations of the cervical spine, head trauma or pre-existing neurological disorders were not included. The mean interval between the accident and the initial examination was 3+/-2(S.D.) days. Coping was measured using the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ). The outcome parameter was self-reported neck pain at 1 year after the motor vehicle accident. At 1 year, 34% of the patients had neck pain. Women developed chronic neck pain more often than men (71% versus 29%); they also had significantly higher coping activity, such as diverting attention, praying or hoping (p<0.05), catastrophising and increasing behavioural activities (p<0.0001). Women reported pain in the neck or shoulder more often before the accident and this was the only statistically significant predictor of chronic symptoms when analysed by logistic regression (odds ratio 4.5). To conclude, we found no evidence that the different coping patterns during the early phase after a whiplash injury influenced the prognosis.     

Whiplash injury of the shoulder: is it a distinct clinical entity?

The pathophysiology of shoulder pain after whiplash injury remains uncertain. Patients with shoulder pain after a whiplash injury were recruited from the accident and emergency department in a prospective study to determine the nature of indirect shoulder trauma after a whiplash injury. Twenty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained in 18 patients. Three MRI scans confirmed acute shoulder injuries. Two patients underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression after failure of non- operative treatment. In conclusion, whiplash injuries can result in indirect acute shoulder trauma, possibly through an acceleration-deceleration mechanism, and may be a distinct entity.     

The classification of outcome following whiplash injury—a comparison of methods

There are many definitions and classifications of chronic neck pain and of neck pain following whiplash injury, many of them developed for a single study. This study compares three different outcome measures (neck disability index, Gargan and Bannister grade, general health questionnaire) in 277 patients who were examined for medicolegal reporting following isolated whiplash injury. There is significant correlation between the physical outcome scales and also between the physical and psychological outcome scales examined (both p <0.01). Definitions of chronic neck pain (with or without whiplash injury) and measures to assess and classify patients with chronic symptoms are reviewed. We recommend the use of a simple self-administered questionnaire that does not require physical measurement as the most useful tool in the evaluation of these patients and the most accurate method of classifying outcome.No financial assistance was required to complete this study     

PITFALLS IN CARPAL TUNNEL DECOMPRESSION

In the period 1972 to 1977, 35 patients with persistent pain and other disabilities after carpal tunnel decompression were referred for treatment. The pitfalls included: (i) wrong diagnosis – 5 patients; (ii) inadequate decompression – 9 patients; (iii) recurrent compression – 4 patients; (iv) iatrogenic nerve injury – 7 patients; and (v) postoperative complications – 10 patients. The patients in Groups 1 and 5 were treated by non-operative measures. Most of the patients in Groups 2, 3, and 4 were treated by reoperation. This paper outlines the causes and prevention of pitfalls in carpal tunnel decompression.     

Preservation of the ulnar bursa within the carpal tunnel: does it improve the outcome of carpal tunnel surgery? A randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND: It was hypothesized that preserving a layer of gliding tissue, the parietal layer of the ulnar bursa, between the contents of the carpal tunnel and the soft tissues incised during carpal tunnel surgery might reduce scar pain and improve grip strength and function following open carpal tunnel decompression. METHODS: Patients consented to randomization to treatment with either preservation of the parietal layer of the ulnar bursa beneath the flexor retinaculum at the time of open carpal tunnel decompression (fifty-seven patients) or division of this gliding layer as part of a standard open carpal tunnel decompression (sixty-one patients). Grip strength was measured, scar pain was rated, and the validated Patient Evaluation Measure questionnaire was used to assess symptoms and disability preoperatively and at eight to nine weeks following the surgery in seventy-seven women and thirty-four men; the remaining seven patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups with respect to age, sex, hand dominance, or side of surgery. Grip strength, scar pain, and the Patient Evaluation Measure score were not significantly different between the two groups, although there was a trend toward a poorer subjective outcome as demonstrated by the questionnaire in the group in which the ulnar bursa within the carpal tunnel had been preserved. Preserving the ulnar bursa within the carpal tunnel did, however, result in a lower prevalence of suspected wound infection or inflammation (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients, preservation of the ulnar bursa around the median nerve during open carpal tunnel release produced no significant difference in grip strength or self-rated symptoms. We recommend incision of the ulnar bursa during open carpal tunnel decompression to allow complete visualization of the median nerve and carpal tunnel contents.     

Chronic low back pain in individuals with chronic neck pain of traumatic and non-traumatic origin: A population-based study

Background?It is unclear whether the prevalence of chronic low back pain is higher in chronic whiplash patients than in the general population. In a population-based study, we evaluated the prevalence of chronic low back pain in individuals with chronic neck pain of traumatic and non-traumatic origin, with special emphasis on whiplash injury.

Subjects and methods?Additional questions concerning the patient's experience of neck and low back pain were added to the questionnaire of the MONICA health survey. 4,415 subjects aged 25–64 years were randomly selected from a geographically well-defined area in northern Sweden.

Results?The prevalences of chronic low back pain and chronic neck pain were 16% and 17%, respectively. 51% of subjects had both back and neck pain. Of the patients with neck pain, one quarter had a history of neck injury, which was related to whiplash injury in almost one-half of the cases. The prevalence of chronic low back pain in individuals with chronic non-traumatic neck pain was 53%, and it was 48% in those with chronic neck pain and a history of neck trauma. There was no difference in the prevalence of chronic low back pain between whiplash injury and other types of neck trauma. Confounding factors such as sex, age, marital status, BMI, smoking status and level of education were not significantly different between traumatic and non-traumatic groups.

Interpretation?Independently of traumatic or non-traumatic origin of the symptoms, the prevalence of chronic low back pain is 3 times higher in individuals with chronic neck pain than in the general population. Causes other than a history of neck trauma, such as chronic muskuloskeletal pain syndromes, may be important in evaluation of these cases.??     

Chronic low back pain in individuals with chronic neck pain of traumatic and non-traumatic origin: a population-based study

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the prevalence of chronic low back pain is higher in chronic whiplash patients than in the general population. In a population-based study, we evaluated the prevalence of chronic low back pain in individuals with chronic neck pain of traumatic and non-traumatic origin, with special emphasis on whiplash injury. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Additional questions concerning the patient's experience of neck and low back pain were added to the questionnaire of the MONICA health survey. 4,415 subjects aged 25-64 years were randomly selected from a geographically well-defined area in northern Sweden. RESULTS: The prevalences of chronic low back pain and chronic neck pain were 16% and 17%, respectively. 51% of subjects had both back and neck pain. Of the patients with neck pain, one quarter had a history of neck injury, which was related to whiplash injury in almost one-half of the cases. The prevalence of chronic low back pain in individuals with chronic non-traumatic neck pain was 53%, and it was 48% in those with chronic neck pain and a history of neck trauma. There was no difference in the prevalence of chronic low back pain between whiplash injury and other types of neck trauma. Confounding factors such as sex, age, marital status, BMI, smoking status and level of education were not significantly different between traumatic and non-traumatic groups. INTERPRETATION: Independently of traumatic or non-traumatic origin of the symptoms, the prevalence of chronic low back pain is 3 times higher in individuals with chronic neck pain than in the general population. Causes other than a history of neck trauma, such as chronic muskuloskeletal pain syndromes, may be important in evaluation of these cases.     

Presentation of a previously asymptomatic Chiari I malformation by a flexion injury to the neck.

Flexion injury and/or whiplash injury to the neck in car accidents are usually trivial injuries with no serious neurological deficits. Our intention was to point out the importance to proceed with diagnostic procedures if neurological deficits do occur in order to reveal the true cause of the deficit. The paper presents the case of a 35-year-old woman who sustained a flexion injury to the neck. A relatively trivial injury to the neck promoted a progressive neurological deterioration. The standard diagnostic procedures (x-ray, computed tomography scan) were normal. Further diagnostics with magnetic resonance imaging was required to reveal an underlying Chiari I malformation. Finally, the operative decompression of the craniocervical junction was performed. Following the surgical treatment, the patient's clinical symptoms regressed. One year after her discharge, she remains in good physical condition. To our knowledge, this case is the first report of the manifestation of Chiari I malformation in the adult as a result of a flexion or whiplash injury of the neck. This unusual case suggests that in a trivial flexion injury to the neck sustained in a car accident, which presents with serious neurological dysfunction, and where the standard diagnostic procedures are normal, the possibility of underlying congenital abnormality, such as Chiari I malformation should be considered.     

Relationship between plasma levels of hyaluronic acid and amyloid-associated osteoarthropathy in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Plasma levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and acute-phase reactants were determined in chronic hemodialysis patients with or without carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and/or shoulder pain, which are characteristic symptoms of amyloid-associated osteoarthropathy. While levels of acute-phase reactants tended to be higher in the patients with CTS and/or shoulder pain than in patients without these symptoms, the difference was not significant. However, plasma levels of HA were significantly higher in the patients with these symptoms. Analysis of plasma levels of HA in age-matched patients also demonstrated a significant correlation between elevated levels of HA and the presence of CTS and/or shoulder pain. Among the patients with CTS and/or shoulder pain, those patients with bone cysts in the carpal bone or humeral head had significantly higher plasma levels of HA than patients without bone cysts. Thus, there appears to be a relationship between elevated plasma HA and amyloid-associated osteoarthropathy in chronic hemodialysis patients that is more specific than any correlation with levels of acute-phase reactants.     

Altered cerebral blood flow in chronic neck pain patients but not in whiplash patients: a 99mTc-HMPAO rCBF study

A cross-sectional study to investigate regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with chronic whiplash syndrome and chronic neck pain patients without previous history of trauma along with a healthy control group. Chronic neck pain is a common disorder and a history of cervical spine injury including whiplash trauma constitute a risk factor for persistent neck pain. The aetiology of the late whiplash syndrome is unknown with no specific diagnostic criteria based on imaging, physiological, or psychological examination. Earlier studies indicate a parieto-occipital hypoperfusion but it is unclear if the hypoperfusion represents a response to chronic pain. The rCBF was monitored in 45 patients with chronic neck pain: 27 cases with chronic whiplash syndrome and 18 age and gender matched cases with non-traumatic chronic neck pain. The rCBF was estimated with single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using technetium-99m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HMPAO). The non-traumatic patients displayed rCBF changes in comparison with the whiplash group and the healthy control group. These changes included rCBF decreases in a right temporal region close to hippocampus, and increased rCBF in left insula. The whiplash group displayed no significant differences in rCBF in comparison with the healthy controls. The present study suggests different pain mechanisms in patients with chronic neck pain of non-traumatic origin compared to those with chronic neck pain due to a whiplash trauma.     

Carpal tunnel release: Analysis of suboptimal results

The results of carpal tunnel release are generally good, but not all patients obtain complete and long lasting relief. Persistence of signs and symptoms after adequate decompression of the median nerve is uncommon. Forty-seven suboptimal results in thirty-four patients have been evaluated to determine the reasons for failure. Thirty-eight of the suboptimal results (81%) were associated with the persistent neck pain and/or abnormal cervical radiographs (typically narrowing of C5-6 and/or C6-7 disc spaces). This retrospective review supports a "double crush" phenomenon that influences both the manifestations of carpal tunnel syndrome and the outcome of its treatment.     

Biomechanics of whiplash injury

Despite a large number of rear-end collisions on the road and a high frequency of whiplash injuries reported, the mechanism of whiplash injuries is not completely understood. One of the reasons is that the injury is not necessarily accompanied by obvious tissue damage detectable by X-ray or MRI. An extensive series of biomechanics studies, including injury epidemiology, neck kinematics,facet capsule ligament mechanics, injury mechanisms and injury criteria, were undertaken to help elucidate these whiplash injury mechanisms and gain a better understanding of cervical facet pain. These studies provide the following evidences to help explain the mechanisms of the whiplash injury: (1) Whiplash injuries are generally considered to be a soft tissue injury of the neck with symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness, shoulder weakness, dizziness, headache and memory loss, etc. (2) Based on kinematical studies on the cadaver and volunteers, there are three distinct periods that have the potential to cause injury to the neck. In the first stage, flexural deformation of the neck is observed along with a loss of cervical lordosis; in the second stage, the cervical spine assumes an S-shaped curve as the lower vertebrae begin to extend and gradually cause the upper vertebrae to extend; during the final stage, the entire neck is extended due to the extension moments at both ends. (3)The in vivo environment afforded by rodent models of injury offers particular utility for linking mechanics, nociception and behavioral outcomes. Experimental findings have examined strains across the facet joint as a mechanism of whiplash injury, and suggested a capsular strain threshold or a vertebral distraction threshold for whiplash-related injury,potentially producing neck pain. (4) Injuries to the facet capsule region of the neck are a major source of post-crash pain. There are several hypotheses on how whiplash-associated injury may occur and three of these injuries are related to strains within the facet capsule connected with events early in the impact. (5) There are several possible injury criteria to correlate with the duration of symptoms during reconstructions of actual crashes. These results form the biomechanical basis for a hypothesis that the facet joint capsule is a source of neck pain and that the pain may arise from large strains in the joint capsule that will cause pain receptors to fire.     

Biomechanics of whiplash injury

Despite a large number of rear-end collisions on the road and a high frequency of whiplash injuries reported, the mechanism of whiplash injuries is not completely understood. One of the reasons is that the injury is not necessarily accompanied by obvious tissue damage detectable by X-ray or MRI. An extensive series of biomechanics studies, including injury epidemiology, neck kinematics,facet capsule ligament mechanics, injury mechanisms and injury criteria, were undertaken to help elucidate these whiplash injury mechanisms and gain a better understanding of cervical facet pain. These studies provide the following evidences to help explain the mechanisms of the whiplash injury: (1) Whiplash injuries are generally considered to be a soft tissue injury of the neck with symptoms such as neck pain and stiffness, shoulder weakness, dizziness, headache and memory loss, etc. (2) Based on kinematical studies on the cadaver and volunteers, there are three distinct periods that have the potential to cause injury to the neck. In the first stage, flexural deformation of the neck is observed along with a loss of cervical lordosis; in the second stage, the cervical spine assumes an S-shaped curve as the lower vertebrae begin to extend and gradually cause the upper vertebrae to extend; during the final stage, the entire neck is extended due to the extension moments at both ends. (3)The in vivo environment afforded by rodent models of injury offers particular utility for linking mechanics, nociception and behavioral outcomes. Experimental findings have examined strains across the facet joint as a mechanism of whiplash injury, and suggested a capsular strain threshold or a vertebral distraction threshold for whiplash-related injury,potentially producing neck pain. (4) Injuries to the facet capsule region of the neck are a major source of post-crash pain. There are several hypotheses on how whiplash-associated injury may occur and three of these injuries are related to strains within the facet capsule connected with events early in the impact. (5) There are several possible injury criteria to correlate with the duration of symptoms during reconstructions of actual crashes. These results form the biomechanical basis for a hypothesis that the facet joint capsule is a source of neck pain and that the pain may arise from large strains in the joint capsule that will cause pain receptors to fire.     

Pitfalls in carpal tunnel decompression.

In the period 1972 to 1977, 35 patients with persistent pain and other disabilities after carpal tunnel decompression were referred for treatment. The pitfalls included: (i) wrong diagnosis--5 patients; (ii) inadequate decompression--9 patients; (iii) recurrent compression--4 patients; (iv) iatrogenic nerve injury--7 patients; and (v) postoperative complications--10 patients. The patients in Groups 1 and 5 were treated by non-operative measures. Most of the patients in Groups 2, 3, and 4 were treated by reoperation. This paper outlines the causes and prevention of pitfalls in carpal tunnel decompression.     

Results of treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of carpal tunnel decompression in patients with advanced carpal tunnel syndrome. The criteria for inclusion in this study were unobtainable median sensory-evoked response and absent or prolonged median motor distal latency. Fifteen hands in 13 patients met these criteria. All patients had symptoms, including pain, weakness, or decreased sensation. Postoperative follow-up averaged 27 months. Symptomatic improvement was obtained in 14 of the 15 hands, and sensory-evoked response improved in 13 hands. Preoperative thenar atrophy was present in 10 of the 15 hands and was completely resolved in 2 of the 10 patients. These results indicate that carpal tunnel decompression is of benefit to patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Long-standing symptoms, thenar atrophy, virtual anesthesia, and the absence of demonstrable sensory and motor-evoked responses are not contraindications to surgery.     

Carpal tunnel decompression. Is lengthening of the flexor retinaculum better than simple division?

This prospective randomized double-blind control trial compared lengthening and simple division of the flexor retinaculum in carpal tunnel decompression. Twenty-six patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome were randomly allocated to have the flexor retinaculum divided on one side and lengthened on the other. All 52 hands were reviewed at regular intervals up to 25 weeks. The patients, therapists and the final reviewer were unaware of treatment allocation. The Levine symptom and function scores were used to assess the severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome and showed that the two treatments were comparable for relief of carpal tunnel symptoms. The two treatments were also similar for function measured with the Jebsen-Taylor test. There is no identifiable benefit in lengthening the flexor retinaculum when decompressing the carpal tunnel. Moderate or severe pillar and scar pain is common, occurring in 13 of 52 hands after surgery, but only in four by the 12th week and two by the 25th week.     

正常人颈段脊柱结构内CGRP和SP阳性神经纤维的分布

目的 为深入探讨颈肩痛的发病机理。方法 用免疫组织化学方法观察人颈段脊柱结构内CGRP和SP阳性神经末梢存在的情况。结果 人颈段脊柱结构的纤维层内均有CGRP和SP免疫反应阳性神经末梢存在，多数神经末梢独立行走，呈树枝状或念珠状，少量神经末梢交织网状。结论 CGRP和SP可能参与了人颈段脊柱结构的伤害性感觉信息的传递。当人颈段脊柱结构的神经末梢受刺激时，可能引起CGRP和SP的释放和传递，这可能是引起原发性颈肩痛的原因之一。     

Carpal tunnel syndrome and acromegaly

50 patients with acromegaly and carpal tunnel syndrome have been examined electrophysiologically before and after transnasal operation of the pituitary adenoma. 32 of the 50 patients (64%) had symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. 13 of them had neurological deficits. 28 of the examined patients had pathological neurographical findings only. About 1 week post-operatively DL was decreased in 43%; in 10 out of 13 patients with neurological deficits DL decreased. GH was normalized in 80% and reduced to 5-10 micrograms/l in a further 10%. The investigation did not show whether the carpal tunnel syndrome only depended on a GH increase or on other factors also such as e.g., on the duration of symptoms or tissue changes. None of the patients had the transversal carpal ligament operated on. The coincidence between acromegaly and carpal tunnel syndrome was 64%. In 3 cases the carpal tunnel syndrome was the leading sign to the diagnosis of acromegaly.     

Long-term disability after neck injury. a comparative study

Claims for personal injury after whiplash injury cost the economy of the United Kingdom more than pound 3 billion per year, yet only very few patients have radiologically demonstrable pathology. Those sustaining fractures of the cervical spine have been subjected to greater force and may reasonably be expected to have worse symptoms than those with whiplash injuries. Using the neck disability index as the outcome measure, we compared pain and functional disability in four groups of patients who had suffered injury to the cervical spine. After a mean follow-up of 3.5 years, patients who had sustained fractures of the cervical spine had significantly lower levels of pain and disability than those who had received whiplash injuries and were pursuing compensation (p < 0.01), but had similar levels to those whiplash sufferers who had settled litigation or had never sought compensation. Functional recovery after neck injury was unrelated to the physical insult. The increased morbidity in whiplash patients is likely to be psychological and is associated with litigation.     

Headache, neck pain, and neck mobility after acute whiplash injury: a prospective study

STUDY DESIGN: A 6-month prospective study of neck mobility in patients with acute whiplash injury and a control group with acute ankle distortion was conducted. OBJECTIVES: To assess active neck mobility after acute whiplash and ankle distortion injuries, and to relate neck mobility to headache, neck pain, and speed of car at the time of collision. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A major problem after whiplash injury is restriction of neck mobility immediately subsequent to trauma. It is, however, unclear whether neck mobility changes after the acute injury are related to the associated headache and neck pain. METHODS: Cervical range of neck motion, neck pain, and headache were assessed after 1 week, then 1, 3, and 6 months after injury in 141 patients with acute whiplash injury, and in 40 patients with acute nonsport ankle distortion. RESULTS: Patients with whiplash injury had significantly reduced flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the neck immediately after injury, as compared with patients with ankle distortion injury. Neck mobility, however, was similar in the two groups after 3 months. In patients with whiplash injury, neck pain and neck mobility were found to be related inversely to reported headache and neck mobility. Neck mobility was not significantly related to a difference in car speed at the time of collision. CONCLUSIONS: Neck mobility is reduced immediately after, but not 3 months after, a whiplash trauma. Headache and neck mobility are related inversely and neck pain and neck mobility are related inversely during the first 6 months after acute whiplash injury.