178. The Roentgen Diagnosis of the Whiplash Injury

1) In the younger group, a narrowing of the intervertebral space and a severe limitation of the extension in the early stage, and a loss of lordsis and a marked difference in the distance of odontoid-atlas lateral masses on both sides in the late stage have the important diagnostic significance.2) In older group, regardless to the different stage, the similar important diagnostic significance are a marked limitation of extension and/or flexion, and the prominent difference in the distance of odontoid-atlas lateral masses on both sides.3) The relative diagnostic significance is expressed in younger group as a loss of lordosis and a markedly limited flexion in the early stage, an encroachment of von Luschka joint, a markedly limited extension and/or flexion, and an angulation in the late stage.4) The following findings which can not be significant but essential to diagnose the whiplash injury are summarized as follows: a) In the younger group, an instability of the cervical spine in the early stage, a spur formation, an instability of the cervical spine and an encroachment of the intervertebral foramina. b) In the older group an encroachment of von Luschka joint, a spur formation and an angulation.