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Case Reports
. 2007 Dec;16 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):275-7.
doi: 10.1007/s00586-007-0413-z. Epub 2007 Jun 22.

An unusual presentation of whiplash injury: long thoracic and spinal accessory nerve injury

N Omar  1 , F Alvi, M S Srinivasan
Affiliations
Case Reports

An unusual presentation of whiplash injury: long thoracic and spinal accessory nerve injury

N Omar et al. Eur Spine J. 2007 Dec.

Abstract

Whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents are very common. The usual presentation and course of this condition normally results in resolution of symptoms within a few weeks. Brachial plexus traction injuries without any bone or joint lesion of the cervical spine have been reported before. We report a case where a gentleman was involved in a rear end vehicle collision, sustained a whiplash injury and was later found to have a long thoracic nerve palsy and spinal accessory nerve palsy. Although isolated injuries of both nerves following a whiplash injury have been reported, combined injury of the two nerves following a whiplash injury is very uncommon and is being reported for the first time.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Lateral cervical spine X-ray showing loss of normal cervical lordosis
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
MRI scan of cervical spine showing no abnormalities
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Picture showing winging of left scapula
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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