The objective of this study was to evaluate the findings from magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the cervical spine and brain in patients after acute whiplash injury. Within 3 weeks (mean 10 days) of trauma, 100 consecutive patients underwent MR imaging for evaluation of the cervical spine and the brain. In addition, plain radiographs were obtained, including functional images of the cervical spine. One patient had an abnormality on the MR image that was related to trauma (prevertebral oedema). In 17 patients, functional images showed a kyphotic angle, but no evidence of soft-tissue injury was seen on the MR image. It is concluded that there is no role for MR imaging in the routine work-up of patients with acute whiplash injury. A hyphotic angle seen on functional images of the cervical spine should not automatically be assumed to indicate soft tissue injury; it most likely is attributable to a compensating mechanism of hypermobility at a level of the spine above that at which hypermobility occurs, which is probably the result of muscle spasm. (A)
Abstract