Case report: whiplash-associated disorder from a low-velocity bumper car collision: history, evaluation, and surgery

Michael F Duffy; Wayne Stuberg; Stacey DeJong; Kurt V Gold; N Ake Nystrom

doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000137064.85554.fa

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Case report: whiplash-associated disorder from a low-velocity bumper car collision: history, evaluation, and surgery

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Case report: whiplash-associated disorder from a low-velocity bumper car collision: history, evaluation, and surgery

Michael F Duffy, Wayne Stuberg, Stacey DeJong, Kurt V Gold and N Ake Nystrom

Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976), Vol.29(17), pp.1881-1884

09/01/2004

DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000137064.85554.fa

PMID: 15534409

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Abstract

Case report of a patient with a whiplash-associated disorder following a bumper car collision. Imaging studies failed to provide an anatomic explanation for the debilitating symptoms. To report a chronic, debilitating pain syndrome after a low-velocity bumper car collision while using complex range-of-motion data for the diagnosis, prognosis, and surgical indication in whiplash-associated disorder. The controversy of whiplash-associated disorder mainly concerns pathophysiology and collision dynamics. Although many investigations attempt to define a universal lesion or determine a threshold of force that may cause permanent injury, no consensus has been reached. Eight years after a low-velocity collision, the patient underwent surgical excision of multiple painful trigger points in the posterior neck. Computerized motion analysis was used for pre- and postoperative evaluations. Surgical treatment resulted in an increase in total active range of motion by 20%, reduced intake of pain medication, doubled the number of work hours, and generally led to a dramatic improvement in quality of life. This case of whiplash-associated disorder after a low-velocity collision highlights the difficulty in defining threshold of injury in regard to velocity. It also illustrates the value of computerized motion analysis in confirming the diagnosis of whiplash-associated disorder and in the evaluation of prognosis and treatment.

Disorders of Excessive Somnolence - etiology

Headache - etiology

Humans

Middle Aged

Male

Work Schedule Tolerance

Fasciotomy

Motor Vehicles

Paresthesia - etiology

Recovery of Function

Decompression, Surgical

Neck Pain - surgery

Time Factors

Tendons - surgery

Range of Motion, Articular

Anesthetics, Local - therapeutic use

Neck Pain - drug therapy

Whiplash Injuries - physiopathology

Myofascial Pain Syndromes

Analgesics - therapeutic use

Head Movements

Wounds, Nonpenetrating - etiology

Combined Modality Therapy

Neck Pain - etiology

Craniocerebral Trauma - etiology

Whiplash Injuries - etiology

Injections

Neck Pain - physiopathology

Neck Muscles - surgery

Recreation

Quality of Life

Whiplash Injuries - surgery

Accidents

Details

Title: Subtitle: Case report: whiplash-associated disorder from a low-velocity bumper car collision: history, evaluation, and surgery
Creators: Michael F Duffy - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
Wayne Stuberg
Stacey DeJong
Kurt V Gold
N Ake Nystrom
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Spine (Philadelphia, Pa. 1976), Vol.29(17), pp.1881-1884
DOI: 10.1097/01.brs.0000137064.85554.fa
PMID: 15534409
NLM abbreviation: Spine (Phila Pa 1976)
ISSN: 0362-2436
eISSN: 1528-1159
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; United States
Language: English
Date published: 09/01/2004
Academic Unit: Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science
Record Identifier: 9984047890002771

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