The pathogenesis of post-MVA whiplash is related to the relationship of the mandible and the cranium. Following sudden accelerations and decelerations, there is a certain amount of delay in mandibular movements as compared to the rest of the head. The mandible may assume a distal position with stretching of the retrodiscal tissues and possible compression of the meniscus. Joint sound now present is due to a distalization of the condyle due to cranial elevation along with a previous anterior position of the disc in the glenoid fossa. The described mechanism acts negatively on the ligaments and on the articular capsule, the external and inside pterygoid muscles the temporalis and the masseter.
Symptoms can be temporary.
However, if the trauma acts directly on already compromised joints, the symptoms can be more serious. In these situations it is not uncommon to observe the onset of condyle-disc incoordinations with the presence of a mutual click or, more seriously of true articular blocks for inside luxation of the meniscus. The diagnosis of such problems has been made much easier with the help of functional investigation of the masticatory apparatus particularly surface electromyography of the masticatory and cervical muscles. This examination allows better diagnosis and allows one to monitor muscle responses to different modes of therapy. The treatment of post-MVA whiplash presents a problem of notable complexity.