Assessing neck extension-flexion as a basis for temporomandibular joint dysfunction

In the August 1987 issue of the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Weinberg and LaPointe published an article entitled “Cervical Extension-Flexion Injury (Whiplash) and Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint” in which they proposed an explanation for injury to the temporomandibular joint resulting from certain motor vehicle accidents. In this article, the previous mechanism is assessed and the authors conclude that it is inaccurate.