Lateral atlantoaxial joint meniscoid volume in individuals with whiplash associated disorder: A case-control study. (February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Farrell, Scott F.; Khan, Subaat; Osmotherly, Peter G.; Sterling, Michele; Cornwall, Jon; Rivett, Darren A.
• Is Part Of: Musculoskeletal science and practice. Volume 33(2018)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 52
• Publication Date: 2018-02
• Subjects: Whiplash -- Atlanto-axial joint -- Meniscoid -- Synovial fold -- Magnetic resonance imaging -- Neck pain -- Cervical spine; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics); Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment; Physical therapy; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- therapy; Neuromuscular Diseases -- therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.11.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-8630

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Lateral atlantoaxial (LAA) joints are established sources of nociceptive input in chronic whiplash associated disorder (WAD). These joints contain intra-articular meniscoids that may be damaged in whiplash trauma. LAA joint meniscoid morphology has not been investigated comprehensively in a chronic WAD population, and it is unclear whether morphological differences exist compared to a pain-free population. Objectives: This study examined LAA joint meniscoid volume in individuals with chronic WAD who report pain in a distribution consistent with LAA joint pain. Design: Case-control study. Method: Fourteen individuals with chronic WAD with pain in an LAA joint distribution (mean [SD] age 38.1 [10.8] years; six female) and 14 age- and sex-matched pain-free controls (38.0 [10.5] years) underwent cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging. LAA joint images were inspected for meniscoids; meniscoid volume was calculated in mm 3 and as a percentage of articular cavity volume. Symptom duration, location and intensity were recorded. Data were analysed using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank testing, Spearman's rank testing, linear and logistic regression (α < 0.05). Results: Ventral and dorsal meniscoids (n = 112) were found in each LAA joint. Greater dorsal meniscoid volume as a percentage of articular cavity volume was associated with higher pain intensity (odds ratio 1.48, p = 0.03; likelihood ratio test chi-square2 = 6.64, p = 0.04), however no significant differences existed between meniscoid volumes of WAD and control participants. Conclusions: Findings indicate a potential link between dorsal LAA joint meniscoid volume and pain, suggesting larger meniscoid size may have pathoanatomical significance in WAD. Highlights: Atlantoaxial joint meniscoid volume was measured in whiplash and control groups. No between groups differences were observed. Larger dorsal meniscoids were associated with higher pain in people with whiplash.