Pre- and post-operative gait analysis for evaluation of neck pain in chronic whiplash

Ake Nystrom, Glen M. Ginsburg, Wayne Stuberg, Stacey Dejong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic neck pain after whiplash is notoriously refractory to conservative treatment, and positive radiological findings to explain the symptoms are scarce. The apparent disproportionality between subjective complaints and objective findings is significant for the planning of treatment, impairment ratings, and judicial questions on causation. However, failure to identify a symptom's focal origin with routine imaging studies does not invalidate the symptom per se. It is therefore of a general interest both to develop effective therapeutic strategies in chronic whiplash, and to establish techniques for objectively evaluation of treatment outcomes. Methods: Twelve patients with chronic neck pain after whiplash underwent pre- and postoperative computerized 3D gait analysis. Results: Significant improvement was found in all gait parameters, cervical range-of-motion, and self reported pain (VAS). Conclusion: Chronic neck pain is associated with abnormal cervical spine motion and gait patterns. 3D gait analysis is a useful instrument to assess the outcome of treatment for neck pain.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number10
JournalJournal of Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve Injury
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 17 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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