Biomechanics of the spine and the implications for spinal injuries

Abstract

Biomechanics is the application of principles of engineering and computers to biological problems. Clinical biomechanics of the spine is the understanding of normal and pathological functions of the human vertebral column in response to mechanical insult, which may include traumatic, degenerative, pathological, or slowly applied loads to the spine. Spinal biomechanics involves the regional features of the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, ligaments, facet joints and muscles. The role of these structures individually and in concert in relation to spinal injuries is discussed. Regional spinal biomechanics, maintenance of spinal stability and assessment of spinal instability following injury are described. Finally, the biomechanical principles, individual structural components, mechanisms of injury and principles specific to the adult and paediatric spine are reviewed.