Grade 4 WAD is associated with which of the following?

Grade 4 WAD is associated with which of the following?

• A. Surgical care likely, tendons ruptured
• B. Mild neck stiffness
• C. Quick recovery within a few days
• D. No treatment needed

Answer: (A)

WAD Grade 4 signals a fracture or dislocation of the cervical spine, a severe structural injury that almost always requires surgical stabilization or other medical intervention. This level of injury carries a real risk of instability and neural compromise, so the appropriate management is medical/surgical rather than conservative care. That’s why the option stating that surgical care is likely best fits Grade 4. The other statements describe much milder presentations—mild neck stiffness, a quick recovery in a few days, or no treatment needed—that align with lower grades of WAD. In practice, recognizing Grade 4 means urgent medical referral and avoidance of manual therapy until cleared.

WAD Grade 4 signals a fracture or dislocation of the cervical spine, a severe structural injury that almost always requires surgical stabilization or other medical intervention. This level of injury carries a real risk of instability and neural compromise, so the appropriate management is medical/surgical rather than conservative care. That’s why the option stating that surgical care is likely best fits Grade 4. The other statements describe much milder presentations—mild neck stiffness, a quick recovery in a few days, or no treatment needed—that align with lower grades of WAD. In practice, recognizing Grade 4 means urgent medical referral and avoidance of manual therapy until cleared.