The risk assessment score in acute whiplash injury predicts outcome and reflects biopsychosocial factors

Longitudinal Changes and Associations Between Quantitative Sensory Testing and Psychological Factors in Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses-Based Data Synthesis

Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) represent a multifactorial condition often accompanied by altered nociceptive processing and psychological factors. This systematic review on acute and chronic WAD aimed to investigate the relationship between quantitative sensory testing (QST) and psychological factors and quantify whether their trajectories over time follow a similar pattern to disability levels. Eight databases were searched until October 2022. When 2 prospective studies examined the same QST or psychological variable, data synthesis was performed with random-effects meta-analysis by pooling within-group standardized mean differences from baseline to 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. From 5,754 studies, 49 comprising 3,825 WAD participants were eligible for the review and 14 for the data synthesis. Altered nociceptive processing in acute and chronic WAD, alongside worse scores on psychological factors, were identified. However, correlations between QST and psychological factors were heterogeneous and inconsistent. Furthermore, disability levels, some QST measures, and psychological factors followed general positive improvement over time, although there were differences in magnitude and temporal changes. These results may indicate that altered psychological factors and increased local pain sensitivity could play an important role in both acute and chronic WAD, although this does not exclude the potential influence of factors not explored in this review. PERSPECTIVE: Acute WAD show improvements in levels of disability and psychological factors before significant improvements in nociceptive processing are evident. Facilitated nociceptive processing might not be as important as psychological factors in chronic WAD-related disability, which indicates that chronic and acute WAD should not be considered the same entity although there are similarities. Nonetheless, pressure pain thresholds in the neck might be the most appropriate measure to monitor WAD progression.

Multivariable prediction models for the recovery of and claim closure related to post-collision neck pain and associated disorders

OBJECTIVE

Few clinical prediction models are available to clinicians to predict the recovery of patients with post-collision neck pain and associated disorders. We aimed to develop evidence-based clinical prediction models to predict (1) self-reported recovery and (2) insurance claim closure from neck pain and associated disorders (NAD) caused or aggravated by a traffic collision.

METHODS

The selection of potential predictors was informed by a systematic review of the literature. We used Cox regression to build models in an incident cohort of Saskatchewan adults (n = 4923). The models were internally validated using bootstrapping and replicated in participants from a randomized controlled trial conducted in Ontario (n = 340). We used C-statistics to describe predictive ability.

RESULTS

Participants from both cohorts (Saskatchewan and Ontario) were similar at baseline. Our prediction model for self-reported recovery included prior traffic-related neck injury claim, expectation of recovery, age, percentage of body in pain, disability, neck pain intensity and headache intensity (C = 0.643; 95% CI 0.634-0.653). The prediction model for claim closure included prior traffic-related neck injury claim, expectation of recovery, age, percentage of body in pain, disability, neck pain intensity, headache intensity and depressive symptoms (C = 0.637; 95% CI 0.629-0.648).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed prediction models for the recovery and claim closure of NAD caused or aggravated by a traffic collision. Future research needs to focus on improving the predictive ability of the models.

The Impact of Musculoskeletal Injuries Sustained in Road Traffic Crashes on Work-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Musculoskeletal injuries occur frequently after road traffic crashes (RTCs), and the effect on work participation is not fully understood. The primary aim of this review was to determine the impact of sustaining a musculoskeletal injury during an RTC on the rate of return to work (RTW), sick leave, and other work outcomes. The secondary aim was to determine factors associated with these work-related outcomes. An electronic search of relevant databases to identify observational studies related to work and employment, RTC, and musculoskeletal injuries was conducted. Where possible, outcome data were pooled by follow-up period to answer the primary aim. Fifty-three studies were included in this review, of which 28 were included in meta-analyses. The pooled rate of RTW was 70% at 1 month, 67% at 3 months, 76% at 6 months, 83% at 12 months, and 70% at 24 months. Twenty-seven percent of participants took some sick leave by one month follow-up, 13% by 3 months, 23% by 6 months, 36% by 12 months, and 22% by 24 months. Most of the factors identified as associated with work outcomes were health-related, with some evidence also for sociodemographic factors. While 70% of people with RTC-related musculoskeletal injury RTW shortly after accident, many still have not RTW two years later.

Revisiting Risk-stratified Whiplash-exposed Patients 12 to 14 Years After Injury

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term predictive value of the Danish Whiplash Group Risk Assessment Score (DWGRAS) with 7 risk strata.

DESIGN

E-questionnaire-based follow-up study (n=927) combining 2 cohorts of whiplash-injured patients, 1 observational (n=187) and 1 interventional randomized controlled trial (n=740).

METHODS

Nine hundred twenty-seven previously healthy persons exposed to acute whiplash injury during motor vehicle collision were sent letter by postal service asking the addressee if they would respond to an E-questionnaire. Outcome measures were: whiplash-related disability, pain, use of medication/nonmedical treatment, work capacity.

RESULTS

The response rate was 37%. Fifty-five percent reported whiplash-related disability. Fourteen percent reported daily symptoms. A strong relationship was found between risk strata and impact of event and between risk strata and disabling symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Internal and long-term validation of DWGRAS was performed, but a low response rate indicates that results should be interpreted with caution. Furthermore, external validation needs to be done in long-term studies. An receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.73 (95% confidence interval 0.67; 0.79) predicting daily or weekly whiplash-related disability after 12 to 14 years was found using the DWGRAS risk score.

Development of an Internet-delivered educational video for acute whiplash injuries

Objective

To describe the development of a preventive educational video for patients exposed to whiplash trauma following motor vehicle accidents.

Methods

The development followed a systematic approach and was theory-driven supplemented with available empirical knowledge. The specific content was developed by a multidisciplinary group involving health professionals and visual production specialists.

Results

A 14-min educational video was created. The video content focuses on stimulating adaptive recovery expectations and preventing maladaptive illness beliefs. The video presents a multifactorial model for pain incorporating physiological and cognitive-behavioural aspects, advice on pain relief, and exercises. Subjects interviewed for a qualitative evaluation found the video reassuring and that it aligned well with verbal information received in the hospital.

Conclusions

The development of the visual educational intervention benefitted from a systematic development approach entailing both theoretical and research-based knowledge. The sparse evidence on educational information for acute whiplash trauma posed a challenge for creating content. Further knowledge is required regarding what assists recovery in the early stages of whiplash injuries in order to improve the development of educational interventions.

The potential and perils of prognosticating persistent post-traumatic problems from a postpositivist perspective

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Predicting recovery after traumatic neck pain has become an active area of research but is moving in several different directions with currently little consensus on the important outcomes to predict or relevant variables to predict them.

PURPOSE

This editorial explores the current state of prognostic (risk)-based tools or algorithms for predicting the likelihood of chronic problems after acute axial trauma, with a focus on traumatic neck pain (ie, whiplash-associated disorder).

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This paper has an editorial study design.

METHOD

This is a narrative commentary.

RESULTS

Prognostic efforts have value in guiding clinical decision-making and optimizing resource allocation to those at highest risk while minimizing iatrogenic disability for those at lower risk, but there are also several important caveats that should be observed when applying and interpreting the results of such tools. These include the biases associated with predicting outcomes based on findings from a single administration of a tool, inappropriate assumptions of causality, assumptions of linear relationships, and inability to consider the unique individual traits and contexts of patients that likely interact with clinical variables to influence the actual degree of risk they impart.

CONCLUSIONS

The paper concludes with a brief overview of trends that are likely to dramatically change the field, including creation of large clinical databases and big data analytics.

Clinical prediction rules for prognosis and treatment prescription in neck pain: A systematic review

Clinical prediction rules (CPRs) developed to identify sub-groups of people with neck pain for different prognoses (i.e. prognostic) or response to treatments (i.e. prescriptive) have been recommended as a research priority to improve health outcomes for these conditions. A systematic review was undertaken to identify prognostic and prescriptive CPRs relevant to the conservative management of adults with neck pain and to appraise stage of development, quality and readiness for clinical application. Six databases were systematically searched from inception until 4th July 2016. Two independent reviewers assessed eligibility, risk of bias (PEDro and QUIPS), methodological quality and stage of development. 9840 records were retrieved and screened for eligibility. Thirty-two studies reporting on 26 CPRs were included in this review. Methodological quality of included studies varied considerably. Most prognostic CPR development studies employed appropriate designs. However, many prescriptive CPR studies (n = 12/13) used single group designs and/or analysed controlled trials using methods that were inadequate for identifying treatment effect moderators. Most prognostic (n = 11/15) and all prescriptive (n = 11) CPRs have not progressed beyond the derivation stage of development. Four prognostic CPRs relating to acute whiplash (n = 3) or non-traumatic neck pain (n = 1) have undergone preliminary validation. No CPRs have undergone impact analysis. Most prognostic and prescriptive CPRs for neck pain are at the initial stage of development and therefore routine clinical use is not yet supported. Further validation and impact analyses of all CPRs are required before confident conclusions can be made regarding clinical utility.

The Traumatic Injuries Distress Scale: A New Tool That Quantifies Distress and Has Predictive Validity With Patient-Reported Outcomes

Study Design Observational cohort. Background Outcomes for acute musculoskeletal injuries are currently suboptimal, with an estimated 10% to 50% of injured individuals reporting persistent problems. An early risk-targeted intervention may hold value for improving outcomes. Objectives To describe the development and preliminary concurrent and longitudinal validation of the Traumatic Injuries Distress Scale (TIDS), a new tool intended to provide the magnitude and nature of risk for persistent problems following acute musculoskeletal injuries. Methods Two hundred participants recruited from emergency medicine departments and rehabilitation clinics completed the TIDS and a battery of other self-reported questionnaires. A subcohort (n = 76) was followed at 1 week and at 12 weeks after the inciting event. Exploratory factor analysis and concurrent and longitudinal correlations were used to evaluate the ability of the TIDS to predict acute presentation and 12-week outcomes. Results Exploratory factor analysis revealed 3 factors explaining 62.8% of total scale variance. Concurrent and longitudinal associations with established clinical measures supported the nature of each subscale. Scores on the TIDS at baseline were significantly associated with variability in disability, pain intensity, satisfaction, anxiety, and depression at 12 weeks postinjury, with adequate accuracy to endorse its use as part of a broader screening protocol. Limitations to interpretation are discussed. Conclusion We present the initial psychometric properties of a new measure of acute posttraumatic distress following musculoskeletal injury. The subscales may be useful as stratification variables in subsequent investigations of clinical interventions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(10):920-928. Epub 3 Sep 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6594.

Research Priorities in the Field of Posttraumatic Pain and Disability: Results of a Transdisciplinary Consensus-Generating Workshop

Background. Chronic or persistent pain and disability following noncatastrophic “musculoskeletal” (MSK) trauma is a pervasive public health problem. Recent intervention trials have provided little evidence of benefit from several specific treatments for preventing chronic problems. Such findings may appear to argue against formal targeted intervention for MSK traumas. However, these negative findings may reflect a lack of understanding of the causal mechanisms underlying the transition from acute to chronic pain, rendering informed and objective treatment decisions difficult. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) has recently identified better understanding of causal mechanisms as one of three priority foci of their most recent strategic plan. Objectives. A 2-day invitation-only active participation workshop was held in March 2015 that included 30 academics, clinicians, and consumers with the purpose of identifying consensus research priorities in the field of trauma-related MSK pain and disability, prediction, and prevention. Methods. Conversations were recorded, explored thematically, and member-checked for accuracy. Results. From the discussions, 13 themes were generated that ranged from a focus on identifying causal mechanisms and models to challenges with funding and patient engagement. Discussion. Novel priorities included the inclusion of consumer groups in research from the early conceptualization and design stages and interdisciplinary longitudinal studies that include evaluation of integrated phenotypes and mechanisms.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression of the Neck Disability Index: Assessment If Subscales Are Equally Relevant in Whiplash and Nonspecific Neck Pain

OBJECTIVE

Because of previously published recommendations to modify the Neck Disability Index (NDI), we evaluated the responsiveness and dimensionality of the NDI within a population of adult whiplash-injured subjects. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the responsiveness and dimensionality of the NDI within a population of adult whiplash-injured subjects.

METHODS

Subjects who had sustained whiplash injuries of grade 2 or higher completed an NDI questionnaire. There were 123 subjects (55% female, of which 36% had recovered and 64% had chronic symptoms. NDI subscales were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis, considering only the subscales and, secondly, using sex as an 11th variable. The subscales were also tested with multiple linear regression modeling using the total score as a target variable.

RESULTS

When considering only the 10 NDI subscales, only a single factor emerged, with an eigenvalue of 5.4, explaining 53.7% of the total variance. Strong correlation (> .55) (P < .0001) between all variables was found. Multiple linear regression modeling revealed high internal consistency with all coefficients reaching significance (P < .0001). The 4 NDI subscales exerting the greatest effect were, in decreasing order, Sleeping, Lifting, Headaches, and Pain Intensity.

CONCLUSION

A 2-factor model of the NDI is not justified based on our results, and in this population of whiplash subjects, the NDI was unidimensional, demonstrating high internal consistency and supporting the original validation study of Vernon and Mior.

Initial healthcare and coping preferences are associated with outcome 1 year after whiplash trauma: a multicentre 1-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

Individuals exposed to whiplash collisions have to cope with the stressful event as well as early physical symptoms. As in other chronic pain conditions, coping has been associated with outcome after whiplash. In this study, our aim was to examine whether initial coping preferences were associated with the development of chronic whiplash.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Primary care.

METHODS

740 acute whiplash patients were recruited from emergency units and general practitioners after car collisions in Denmark. Within 10 days postinjury, participants were asked what they believed could help them get better. At 12-month follow-up, the level of neck pain and capability to work was obtained. Whether coping preferences (baseline) were associated with outcome was investigated using multiple regression analyses.

RESULTS

Persistent neck pain was most strongly associated with preferring medications (mean difference=1.24 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.82)) and sickness absence (mean difference=1.18 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.82)). Reduced work capability was most strongly associated with preferring medications (OR=3.53 (95% CI 2.13 to 5.86)), sickness absence (OR=3.05 (95% CI 1.80 to 5.17)) and being referred to a physiotherapist/chiropractor (OR=3.03 (95% CI 1.33 to 6.91)). Active coping was associated with better outcomes: Participants preferring to change their lifestyle were protected against reduced work capability (OR=0.11 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.78)). Individuals who wanted to keep living as usual only (no other preference reported) were protected against neck pain (mean difference -1.62 (95% CI -2.39 to -0.84)) and reduced work capability (OR=0.09 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.64)).

CONCLUSIONS

A simple nine-item measure of coping preferences is associated with the development of chronic neck pain and reduced capability to work following whiplash trauma and may be used to identify individuals at risk of poor recovery.

An early intervention programme had no detectable influence on the health status of people with musculoskeletal injuries following road traffic crashes: comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the health status of people with minor injuries from road traffic crashes that are exposed to an early, active intervention programme (intervention group) with those receiving usual care (control group) over a 12 month period.

DESIGN

Prospective comparative study using sequential cohorts.

SUBJECTS

People presenting to hospital emergency departments with mild to moderate musculoskeletal injuries following road traffic crashes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health status measure; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Functional Rating Index (FRI) recorded immediately post-crash, at 6 months and at 12 months after injury.

RESULTS

There were 95 participants allocated to the control group and 98 allocated to the intervention group. Participants were enrolled at a mean of 9.3 days following the crash. There were no significant differences in baseline health measures between the groups. Apart from a small improvement in anxiety for the intervention group, there were no significant differences in health status between the groups. Twenty percent of participants in the intervention group received treatment from external healthcare providers that was inconsistent with the recommendations of the intervention programme.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention programme failed to result in a clinically significant improvement in health outcomes compared with usual care. There is some evidence to suggest that the intervention had some psychological benefits, as evidenced by the small improvement in anxiety levels. Limited adherence, frequent use of co-interventions, or other factors (such as intervention content or intensity) may have reduced its effect.

Results of an International Survey of Practice Patterns for Establishing Prognosis in Neck Pain: The ICON Project

Results of an international survey of health care providers for neck pain are reported. The survey specifically collected self-reported practice patterns for establishing a prognosis in neck pain. Over 440 responses from 27 countries were collected. Descriptive results indicate that respondents assigned large prognostic impact to factors including mechanism of injury and psychological or behavioral constructs. Range of motion, age and sex were routinely collected despite relatively moderate impact on prognosis. A comparison between chiropractic and manual/physical therapy groups showed differences in practice patterns that were unlikely to affect prognostic accuracy. The results suggest a gap exists between current best-evidence and actual practice when the goal is to establish a prognosis in neck pain.

An Overview of Systematic Reviews on Prognostic Factors in Neck Pain: Results from the International Collaboration on Neck Pain (ICON) Project

Given the challenges of chronic musculoskeletal pain and disability, establishing a clear prognosis in the acute stage has become increasingly recognized as a valuable approach to mitigate chronic problems. Neck pain represents a condition that is common, potentially disabling, and has a high rate of transition to chronic or persistent problems. As a field of research, prognosis in neck pain has stimulated several empirical primary research papers, and a number of systematic reviews. As part of the International Consensus on Neck (ICON) project, we sought to establish the general state of knowledge in the area through a structured, systematic review of systematic reviews (overview).

An exhaustive search strategy was created and employed to identify the 13 systematic reviews (SRs) that served as the primary data sources for this overview. A decision algorithm for data synthesis, which incorporated currency of the SR, risk of bias assessment of the SRs using AMSTAR scoring and consistency of findings across SRs, determined the level of confidence in the risk profile of 133 different variables. The results provide high confidence that baseline neck pain intensity and baseline disability have a strong association with outcome, while angular deformities of the neck and parameters of the initiating trauma have no effect on outcome. A vast number of predictors provide low or very low confidence or inconclusive results, suggesting there is still much work to be done in this field. Despite the presence of multiple SR and this overview, there is insufficient evidence to make firm conclusions on many potential prognostic variables. This study demonstrates the challenges in conducting overviews on prognosis where clear synthesis critieria and a lack of specifics of primary data in SR are barriers.

Healthcare consultation and sick leave before and after neck injury: a cohort study with matched population-based references

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies based on self-assessed data on exposure and outcome suggest a negative association between poor health before neck injury and recovery. Our aim was to study actual healthcare consultation and work disability before and after neck injury (whiplash).

DESIGN

Cohort study with matched references studied prospectively and retrospectively via regional and national held registers.

SETTING

Population-based study in Region Skåne, Sweden (population=1.21 million) including all levels of healthcare.

PARTICIPANTS

1443 participants aged ≥18 (54% women) with acute neck injury, Whiplash, (International Classification of Diseases-10-SE code S13.4*) in 2007 or 2008 and no such diagnosis since 1998. Each patient with a neck injury was assigned four randomly selected population references matched for age, sex and area of residence (97% of the patients and 94% of the references were followed during the whole study period).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

We studied changes in healthcare consultations 3 years before to 3 years after diagnosis as well as sick leave episodes. Analyses were also stratified by preinjury frequency of consultation.

RESULTS

Before the injury, the mean number of total consultations over 36 months among the neck injured (n=1443) and references (n=5772) was 9.3 vs 7.2 (p<0.0001) and postneck injury 12.7 vs 7.8 (p<0.0001). In the group of high-frequent consulters, there were more women compared with frequent and low-frequent consulters (70.6% vs 32.8%; p<0.0001). Among low-frequent and frequent consulters preinjury (n=967, 67% of the cohort), 16% became high-frequent consulters attributable to the injury. The number of days of sick leave preinjury was correlated with the number of preinjury and postinjury consultations (r=0.47 (99% CI 0.38 to 0.49), r=0.32 (99% CI 0.25 to 0.37)).

CONCLUSIONS

People with a neck injury constitute a heterogeneous group. The preinjury level of healthcare consultation is associated with the postinjury level of consultation.

Prediction model for unsuccessful return to work after hospital-based intervention in low back pain patients

Background

Many studies on low back pain (LBP) have identified prognostic factors, but prediction models for use in secondary health care are not available. The purpose of this cohort study, based on a randomised clinical study, was to identify risk factors for unsuccessful return to work (U-RTW) in sick-listed LBP patients with or without radiculopathy and to validate a prediction model for U-RTW.

Methods

325 sick-listed LBP patients with or without radiculopathy were included in an intervention study and followed for one year. Afterwards, 117 other LBP patients were recruited similarly, included in a validation study and also followed for one year. All patients were subjected to identical procedures and interventions and received a brief intervention by the same rehabilitation doctor and physiotherapist. Half of them received case manager guidance within a multidisciplinary setting. At baseline, they completed a questionnaire and went through a clinical low-back examination. Sciatica was investigated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). U-RTW was registered in a national database both initially and at 1-year.

Results

Neither initial U-RTW (24.0%) nor one-year U-RTW (38.2%) were statistically significantly different in the two intervention groups nor in patients with and without radiculopathy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified two clinical and five psychosocial baseline predictors for one-year U-RTW (primary outcome). The clinical predictors included pain score (back+leg pain) and side-flexion. The five psychosocial predictors included ‘bodily distress’ ‘low expectations of RTW’, ‘blaming the work for pain’, ‘no home ownership’ and ‘drinking alcohol less than once/month’. These predictors were not statistically significantly different in patients with and without radiculopathy, and they also predicted initial U-RTW (secondary outcome). Obesity and older age were only supplementary predictors in patients with radiculopathy. A prediction model was established and tested in the validation study group. The model predicted one-year U-RWT in patients with intermediate and high risk, but only partially in patients with low risk. The model predicted all three risk categories in initial U-RTW.

Conclusions

A prediction model combining baseline clinical and psychosocial risk factors predicted patients with low, intermediate and high risk for unsuccessful return to work, both initially and at 1-year.

Health, social, and economic consequences of neck injuries: a controlled national study evaluating societal effects on patients and their partners

STUDY DESIGN

National register-based matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to estimate the direct and indirect costs of neck injuries, except fractures, in a national sample of patients and their spouses.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Despite neck injuries causing significant socioeconomic burdens, there is insufficient information about the time course, as well as the effect on their spouses.

METHODS

Using records from the Danish National Patient Registry 1998-2009, all patients with a diagnosis of neck injury and their spouses were identified and compared with randomly chosen controls matched for age, sex, geographical area, and civil status. Direct costs included frequency of primary and hospital sector contacts and procedures and medication. Indirect costs included the effect on labor supply. Social transfer payments were included to illustrate the effect on national accounts. All cost data were extracted from national databases.

RESULTS

The register contributed 94,224 patients, and 372,341 matched controls were identified. The percentages of married or cohabiting individuals were approximately 47.5% in both groups. Patients with neck injury had significantly higher rates of health-related contacts, medication use, and higher socioeconomic costs than controls. To a lesser extent, they also had lower employment rates, and those employed generally had lower incomes. Furthermore, the patients had already presented negative social- and health-related status up to 11 years before the first diagnosis, which became more pronounced for those with the highest costs. The health effects on costs were present regardless of age group and sex, and it was also seen for the patients' spouses.

CONCLUSION

Neck injuries are associated with major socioeconomic consequences for patients, their spouses, and the society. However, the increased expenses during subsequent years cannot be explained by the injury alone, because these patients already had elevated expenses prior to the injury. This indicates some selection of increased vulnerability for both patients and their spouses.

Risk factors for persistent problems following acute whiplash injury: update of a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To update a previous review and meta-analysis on risk factors for persistent problems following whiplash secondary to a motor vehicle accident.

BACKGROUND

Prognosis in whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) has become an active area of research, perhaps owing to the difficulty of treating chronic problems. A previously published review and meta-analysis of prognostic factors included primary sources up to May 2007. Since that time, more research has become available, and an update to that original review is warranted.

METHODS

A systematic search of international databases was conducted, with rigorous inclusion criteria focusing on studies published between May 2007 and May 2012. Articles were scored, and data were extracted and pooled to estimate the odds ratio for any factor that had at least 3 independent data points in the literature.

RESULTS

Four new cohorts (n = 1121) were identified. In combination with findings of a previous review, 12 variables were found to be significant predictors of poor outcome following whiplash, 9 of which were new (n = 2) or revised (n = 7) as a result of additional data. The significant variables included high baseline pain intensity (greater than 5.5/10), report of headache at inception, less than postsecondary education, no seatbelt in use during the accident, report of low back pain at inception, high Neck Disability Index score (greater than 14.5/50), preinjury neck pain, report of neck pain at inception (regardless of intensity), high catastrophizing, female sex, WAD grade 2 or 3, and WAD grade 3 alone. Those variables robust to publication bias included high pain intensity, female sex, report of headache at inception, less than postsecondary education, high Neck Disability Index score, and WAD grade 2 or 3. Three existing variables (preaccident history of headache, rear-end collision, older age) and 1 additional novel variable (collision severity) were refined or added in this updated review but showed no significant predictive value.

CONCLUSION

This review identified 2 additional prognostic factors and refined the estimates of 7 previously identified factors, bringing the total number of significant predictors across the 2 reviews to 12. These factors can be easily identified in a clinical setting to provide estimates of prognosis following whiplash.

A new stratified risk assessment tool for whiplash injuries developed from a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

An initial stratification of acute whiplash patients into seven risk-strata in relation to 1-year work disability as primary outcome is presented.

DESIGN

The design was an observational prospective study of risk factors embedded in a randomised controlled study.

SETTING

Acute whiplash patients from units, general practitioners in four Danish counties were referred to two research centres.

PARTICIPANTS

During a 2-year inclusion period, acute consecutive whiplash-injured (age 18-70 years, rear-end or frontal-end car accident and WAD (whiplash-associated disorders) grades I-III, symptoms within 72 h, examination prior to 10 days postinjury, capable of written/spoken Danish, without other injuries/fractures, pre-existing significant somatic/psychiatric disorder, drug/alcohol abuse and previous significant pain/headache). 688 (438 women and 250 men) participants were interviewed and examined by a study nurse after 5 days; 605 were completed after 1 year. A risk score which included items of initial neck pain/headache intensity, a number of non-painful complaints and active neck mobility was applied. The primary outcome parameter was 1-year work disability.

RESULTS

The risk score and number of sick-listing days were related (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.0001). In stratum 1, less than 4%, but in stratum 7, 68% were work-disabled after 1 year. Early work assessment (p<0.0001), impact of the event questionnaire (p<0.0006), psychophysical pain measures being McGill pain questionnaire parameters (p<0.0001), pressure pain algometry (p<0.0001) and palpation (p<0.0001) showed a significant relationship with risk stratification.

ANALYSIS

Findings confirm previous studies reporting intense neck pain/headache and distress as predictors for work disability after whiplash. Neck-mobility was a strong predictor in this study; however, it was a more inconsistent predictor in other studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of the risk assessment score and use of the risk strata system may be beneficial in future studies and may be considered as a valuable tool to assess return-to-work following injuries; however, further studies are needed.

In vivo analysis of cervical range of motion after 4- and 5-level subaxial cervical spine fusion

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort study analyzing the cervical range of motion (ROM) of subjects with 4- or 5-level posterior laminectomy and fusion or anterior and posterior decompression and fusion operation.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of extending a C3-C7 fusion to C3-T1 on subject's ROM and level of disability.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Cadaveric studies show a reduction in the ROM of C3-C7 cervical fusion spines. In vivo, surgeons treat symptomatic cervical subaxial spine with either a C3-C7 fusion or C3-T1 fusion. While in some cases extending the fusion level to T1 is merited due to pathology, most cases are due to surgeon's preference to avoid future degeneration and reoperation of the C7-T1 junction.

METHODS

This study involved 44 4-level fusion and 20 5-level fusion subjects along with 18 nonoperative controls. Operative subjects were divided according to early or late postoperative clinical visit. Subjects were asked to complete the neck disability index survey and their maximum ROM during flexion/extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending was measured using a virtual reality assisted electromagnetic tracking system. In addition, the helical axis of motion was calculated for flexion and extension motions. An analysis of variance statistical test was used to determine significant differences between study groups.

RESULTS

Five- level subjects had significantly less ROM than 4-level subjects and both groups were significantly less than control group during all motions. There was no effect of postoperative time on subject's ROM. In addition, there was no difference in the center of helical axis of rotation across the 3 groups. Finally, both operative groups exhibited similar levels of mild disability as measured by the neck disability index.

CONCLUSIONS

Extending the subaxial fusion from C3-C7 to include C7-T1 resulted in a significant loss of ROM, while postoperative time healing, center of rotation, and level of disability were similar across groups. This finding merits further investigation of the intersegmental motions of the cervical spine.