Acromioclavicular Joint Sprain and its Prevalence with Whiplash Injuries

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain occurring with whiplash following road traffic accidents (RTAs). Method Twenty patients presenting at a physiotherapy clinic with a diagnosis of whiplash were examined for AC joint sprain. Details of seat-belt side, duration of symptoms, previous diagnosis, source of referral, age and sex were noted. Results Eighteen patients were found to have AC joint sprain. The joint involved was significantly more likely to be on the side restrained by the seat-belt (p < 0.01). The patients had not been given a diagnosis of AC joint sprain previously and had attributed their symptoms to neck damage. A high proportion of the patients (85%) were women. Conclusions There is evidence that the AC joint of the seat-belt shoulder may be injured during an RTA. The AC joints should be checked for involvement following whiplash injuries, particularly in women. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of acromioclavicular (AC) joint sprain occurring with whiplash following road traffic accidents (RTAs). Twenty patients presenting at a physiotherapy clinic with a diagnosis of whiplash were examined for AC joint sprain. Details of seat-belt side, duration of symptoms, previous diagnosis, source of referral, age and sex were noted. Eighteen patients were found to have AC joint sprain. The joint involved was significantly more likely to be on the side restrained by the seat-belt (p < 0.01). The patients had not been given a diagnosis of AC joint sprain previously and had attributed their symptoms to neck damage. A high proportion of the patients (85%) were women. There is evidence that the AC joint of the seat-belt shoulder may be injured during an RTA. The AC joints should be checked for involvement following whiplash injuries, particularly in women.