Abstract
Risk factors related to the one-year outcome of Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) after frontal and rear-end car impacts were analyzed. It was determined that an early medical examination, including plain radiography, is of great importance to identify those at risk of late WAD. Initial arm symptoms, high pain intensity, reduced neck mobility, degenerative changes of the cervical spine, psychometric findings indicating depression or posttraumatic stress and head rotation at the time of impact are among risk factors for residual problems one year after the impact. Age, stature, weight and impact severity were not found to be risk factors for residual neck problems.