@article{ref1,
title="Factors affecting the timing of recovery from whiplash neck injuries: study of a cohort of 134 patients pursuing litigation",
journal="Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery",
year="2007",
author="Karnezis, Ioannis A. and Drosos, George I. and Kazakos, Konstantinos I.",
volume="127",
number="8",
pages="633-636",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: A cohort of 134 patients presenting in medico-legal practice with whiplash neck injury following a motor vehicle accident was studied prospectively by personal interviewing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Injury- and patient-related factors with possible influence to the timing of recovery were analysed with univariate and multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed significant association between high physical demand patient occupation and recovery within 6 months from injury (P = 0.036, coefficient 1.5, odds ratio 4.47) while initiation of physiotherapy treatment was associated with prolongation of symptoms for more than 6 months following injury (P < 0.001, coefficient -2.6, odds ratio 0.08). An association between development of arm pain (P = 0.01), upper limb numbness or paraesthesia (P = 0.03) and bilateral trapezius pain (P = 0.04) and persistence of whiplash-related symptoms was also observed. These findings must be taken into account in evaluation and treatment of patients with acute whiplash injuries pursuing litigation.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0936-8051",
doi="10.1007/s00402-007-0344-5",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00402-007-0344-5"
}