[Whiplash trauma of the cervical spine from the neurosurgical, traumatologic and psychologic viewpoint]

Abstract

Since the early 50's, whiplash injury has been a subject of intensive study in order to find out the genesis of this disease. Unfortunately, most of the studies were planned retrospectively and were based on inhomogeneous groups of patients. In our prospective study, we tried to keep the patient group homogeneous. 62 patients were examined neurologically and radiologically immediately after the accident. Furthermore, they underwent a psychological test, the so-called Freiburg personality profile. 6 months later the patients were checked again. On the basis on our findings, the suspected psychological influence has to be confirmed. Preexisting degenerative lesions of the cervical spine, also, are undoubtedly prognostic for longer-lasting symptoms.