Whiplash injury in low speed car accidents: Assessment of biomechanical cervical spine loading and injury prevention in a forensic sample

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between motor vehicle collision ma gnitude and whiplash associated disorder [WAD] outcomes. Methods: The magnitude and characteristics were retrospectively analyzed in 1,096 cases of low velocity collisions between 0 to 20 km/h change of velo city using computer modelling [PC-Crash, MADYMO] to determine the biomechan ical stresses upon the occupant's head-neck region. All subjects were invol ved in litigation, with anticipation of financial gain. The severity of whi plash outcomes were recorded as days off work or self-claimed disability du ration. Results: Rear-end collisions were disproportionately high [59%] in reportin g WAD compared to general accident occurrence. The commonest cars involved in WAD outcomes were small. The change of velocity [Delta V] most common fo r expressing WAD was between 5-10 km/h [49%], and a further 24% had WAD wit h 0-5 km/h Delta V. The medium age of complainants was around 30, with 42% at or under this age; the incidence of WAD in the elderly or frail persons with degenerative neck disorders was disproportionately low, 16% being over age 50. About 20% of WAD claims were involved in collisions of sufficient magnitude to realistically cause physical injury to the neck. About 70% wer e not. Conclusion: In the Munich area, there may be a sub-set of the population am ong otherwise young healthy persons, who claim compensation for whiplash in jury based on minimal if any stresses having been imposed upon their neck. The collision severity and the severity of WAD did not correlate, suggestin g that the intensity of external mechanical neck loading is not a reliable marker for WAD claims.