The clinical presentation of chronic whiplash and the relationship to findings of MRI fatty infiltrates in the cervical extensor musculature: a preliminary investigation

Abstract

The objective was to determine whether any measurable changes in sensory responses, kinesthetic sense, cervical motion, and psychological features were related to established fatty infiltration values in the cervical extensor musculature in subjects with persistent whiplash. It is unknown if fatty infiltrate is related to any signs or symptoms. Data on motor function, Quantitative Sensory Testing, psychological and general well-being, and pain and disability were collected from 79 female subjects with chronic whiplash. Total fat values were created for all subjects by averaging the muscle fat indices by muscle, level, and side from our MRI dataset of all the cervical extensor muscles. Results of this study indicate the presence of altered physical, kinesthetic, sensory, and psychological features in this cohort of patients with chronic whiplash. Combined factors of sensory, physical, kinesthetic, and psychological features all contributed to a small extent in explaining the varying levels of fatty infiltrate, with cold pain thresholds having the most influence (r 2 = 0.28; P = 0.02). Identifying and relating quantifiable muscular alterations to clinical measures in the chronic state, underpin some clinical hypotheses for possible pathophysiological processes in this group with a chronic and recalcitrant whiplash disorder. Future research investigations aimed at accurate identification, sub-classification, prediction, and management of patients with acute and chronic whiplash is warranted and underway.

The influence of age, anthropometrics and range of motion on the morphometry of the synovial folds of the lateral atlanto-axial joints: a pilot study

“…right rotation ? left rotation) [12]. A probability level of P = 0.05 was set as the minimum criterion of statistical significance for correlation.…”

The Pearls and Pitfalls of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Spine

“…9,45 MRI is also helpful in identifying associated secondary findings to spinal injury, such as altered muscle physiology and structure. 1,35,37,38,40,62 In fact, innovative uses for advanced MRI applications may become particularly helpful in assessing the structure and function of spinal tissues (eg, muscles and intervertebral discs) and their physiological response to commonly prescribed physical therapy techniques. 16,23,31,32,38,46,70 These will be discussed in more detail in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine sections.…”

The rapid and progressive degeneration of the cervical multifidus in whiplash: A MRI study of fatty infiltration

“…5 Participants who recovered, or only had persistent mild symptoms, and those with chronic idiopathic neck pain 12 did not develop MFI. While the quantification of MFI in whiplash 5,[13][14][15] is intriguing, the mechanisms underlying its development in and their contribution towards poor functional recovery is largely unknown.…”