Long-term prognosis of soft-tissue injuries of the neck.

We reviewed 43 patients who had sustained soft-tissue injuries of the neck after a mean 10.8 years. Of these, only 12% had recovered completely. Residual symptoms were intrusive in 28% and severe in 12%. Pain in the neck and lower back was the commonest complaint and older patients had a worse prognosis. After two years, symptoms did not alter with further passage of time.