Systematic diagnostics and documentation for whiplash.

ABSTRACT

Whiplash injuries are common in Denmark affecting around 16,000 new patients annually. Approximately 50% of the casualties develop chronic symptoms and 10% become disabled. Many of these patients will have contact to the healthcare system, and there is a need for structured and knowledge-based examination, diagnosis and recording of findings in all clinical settings. This review discusses which variables should be recorded in clinical practice, in order to establish the best possible foundation for a structured individualized treatment protocol of the whiplash patient.