Scintigraphic findings in acute whiplash injury of the cervical spine.

A prospective scintigraphic and radiographic study was carried out in 35 patients with a whiplash injury of the cervical spine. The scintigraphic findings were within normal limits in 31 of the patients, while four had either a focal or multifocal increase in activity. Plain radiography revealed skeletal changes secondary to spondylosis in three patients and a localized bony spur with avulsion of a barely visible fragment in one. Our investigation shows that skeletal lesions after whiplash injury, although very few, are shown by plain skeletal radiography. Scintigraphy is not indicated for screening purposes.