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An unusual presentation of whiplash injury: long thoracic and spinal accessory nerve injury

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Abstract

Whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents are very common. The usual presentation and course of this condition normally results in resolution of symptoms within a few weeks. Brachial plexus traction injuries without any bone or joint lesion of the cervical spine have been reported before. We report a case where a gentleman was involved in a rear end vehicle collision, sustained a whiplash injury and was later found to have a long thoracic nerve palsy and spinal accessory nerve palsy. Although isolated injuries of both nerves following a whiplash injury have been reported, combined injury of the two nerves following a whiplash injury is very uncommon and is being reported for the first time.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Infirmary Road, Blackburn, BB2 3LR, UK

    N. Omar, F. Alvi & M. S. Srinivasan

  2. 34 Chelsfield Grove, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 7SU, UK

    F. Alvi

Authors
  1. N. Omar
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  2. F. Alvi
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  3. M. S. Srinivasan
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Correspondence to F. Alvi.

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Omar, N., Alvi, F. & Srinivasan, M.S. An unusual presentation of whiplash injury: long thoracic and spinal accessory nerve injury. Eur Spine J 16 (Suppl 3), 275–277 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-007-0413-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-007-0413-z

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