Whiplash Injuries Flashcards Preview

Biomechanics Exam II > Whiplash Injuries > Flashcards

Flashcards in Whiplash Injuries Deck (30)
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1
Q

What is whiplash?

A

Mechanism whereby the neck is whipped in one direction and recoils in the opposite direction

2
Q

Why is whiplash not a diagnostic term?

A

Does not give an indication of injured structures

3
Q

At least how many people in the US suffer a neck injury following a rear-end accident?

A

1 million per year

4
Q

What population is most likely to suffer a neck injury following a read-end accident?

A

Females ages 20-24

5
Q

What is the most important factor for identifying the mechanism of injury following a rear-end accident?

A

Patient’s position

6
Q

What areas of the spine will experience the greatest velocity during a whiplash injury?

A

1 Distal end

2 Area with more segments

7
Q

What are the likely sites of injury following whiplash?

A
1 Facet joints
2 Vertebral endplates
3 Spinal ligaments
4 IVDs
5 Neck muscles
6 Vertebral arteries
8
Q

What are the two documented mechanisms of injury of facet joints during a whiplash injury?

A

1 pinching of synovial fluid

2 excessive strain of capsule

9
Q

What causes the facet joint injury following whiplash where the synovial fold is pinched?

A

Cervicals rotate about a higher center and fold is pinched on posterior side

10
Q

What other type of injury accompanies capsular strain following a whiplash injury?

A

Inflammatory responses involving the spinal cord

11
Q

What is the first structure to fail when subjected to compressive load?

A

Endplate

12
Q

What area of the spine is at most risk for an ALL injury following a rear impact?

A

C3/C4-C7/T1

13
Q

In what condition are alar and transverse ligament injuries following rear impact more severe?

A

When head is turned

14
Q

Which IVD is most vulnerable after a rear impact?

A

C5-C6

15
Q

What condition makes the C5-C6 especially vulnerable during a rear impact injury?

A

Lower speeds

16
Q

Which ligaments are most at risk during a frontal impact?

A

1 Supraspinous/ligamentum nuchae
2 Interspinous
3 Ligamentum flavum

17
Q

What range of IVDs are most at risk during a front impact injury? What disc is most at risk?

A

C2/C3-C7/T1; C5/C6 = most at risk

18
Q

What is the major chiropractic consideration following a neck injury?

A

HVLA adjustments rapidly increase tension in ligaments

19
Q

The SCM becomes damaged during what motion?

A

Hyperextension

20
Q

Which neck muscle becomes damaged during hyperflexion?

A

Trapezius

21
Q

Where are the vertebral arteries most susceptible to injury?

A

Posterior AO membrane
Space between occiput and posterior arch of atlas
Between lateral mass of C1 and TP of C2

22
Q

What system is used to grade neck injuries?

A

Quebec Task Force (5 Points)

23
Q

Which grade of the Quebec Task Force involves complaints of pain, stiffness, or tenderness, but no physical signs are noted?

A

WAD-1

24
Q

Which grade of the Quebec Task Force involves fracture/dislocation or cord injury?

A

WAD-4

25
Q

Which grade of the Quebec Task Force involves neck complaints and the examining physician finds decreased ROM and point tenderness in the neck?

A

WAD-2

26
Q

Which grade of the Quebec Task Force involves no signs or symptoms?

A

WAD-0

27
Q

Which grade of the Quebec Task Force involves neck complaints plus neurological signs such as decreased deep tendon reflexes, weakness, and sensory deficits?

A

WAD-3

28
Q

Can a concussion occur without head strike?

A

Yes

29
Q

What kinds of symptoms can be seen due to occlusion of the vertebral arteries following a neck injury?

A

Blurred vision, pupil dilation, vertigo, tinitus, auditory disturbances, and headache

30
Q

Irritation of what area can also present symptoms similar to that of occluded vertebral arteries?

A

Vertebral sympathetic plexus