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Whiplash Injuries Of The Neck, Kenneth H. Abbott

Cleveland State Law Review

The nomenclature, mechanics, pathology and symptomatology of the minor injuries to the neck incurred in the socalled whiplash injury are reviewed. The common mechanism of this injury is shown to be hyperextension with recoil into hyperflexion, causing a sprain, of the soft tissues of the neck. In the more seriously injured, there may occur tearing and even avulsion of capsular and ligamentous structures of the neck. With injury to nerves and blood vessels, associated head and lower back injuries may also occur. Less commonly bony fractures of the neck vertebrae may be found. Attention is given to the delayed symptoms …