Which ligament is commonly affected in whiplash injuries?

Which ligament is commonly affected in whiplash injuries?

• A. Interspinous
• B. Anterior longitudinal
• C. Posterior longitudinal
• D. Alar ligaments

Answer: (B)

Whiplash injuries arise from a sudden acceleration-deceleration of the neck, with a rapid hyperextension (backward tilt) followed by flexion. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral bodies and resists extension. In a rapid hyperextension event, this ligament is placed under the greatest strain and is commonly stretched or torn, making it the most likely structure to be injured. The other ligaments listed have different primary roles in spinal motion. Interspinous ligaments lie between the spinous processes and are more involved when the spine flexes; posterior longitudinal ligament sits inside the spinal canal along the back of the vertebral bodies and resists flexion, so it’s less typically involved in the primary hyperextension phase of whiplash. The alar ligaments stabilize the dens and the craniovertebral junction and are not a usual target in this mechanism.

Whiplash injuries arise from a sudden acceleration-deceleration of the neck, with a rapid hyperextension (backward tilt) followed by flexion. The anterior longitudinal ligament runs along the front of the vertebral bodies and resists extension. In a rapid hyperextension event, this ligament is placed under the greatest strain and is commonly stretched or torn, making it the most likely structure to be injured.

The other ligaments listed have different primary roles in spinal motion. Interspinous ligaments lie between the spinous processes and are more involved when the spine flexes; posterior longitudinal ligament sits inside the spinal canal along the back of the vertebral bodies and resists flexion, so it’s less typically involved in the primary hyperextension phase of whiplash. The alar ligaments stabilize the dens and the craniovertebral junction and are not a usual target in this mechanism.