
Biomechanics of the Human Spine
Basic Concepts, Spinal Disorders and Treatments
- 2nd Edition - October 1, 2025
- Editors: Fabio Galbusera, Hans-Joachim Wilke
- Language: English
- Hardback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 6 5 6 8 - 6
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 6 5 6 9 - 3
Biomechanics of the Human Spine: Basic Concepts, Spinal Disorders and Treatments, Second Edition is an essential resource for both biomedical engineers and spinal surgeons. The bo… Read more

Purchase options

Institutional subscription on ScienceDirect
Request a sales quoteBiomechanics of the Human Spine: Basic Concepts, Spinal Disorders and Treatments, Second Edition is an essential resource for both biomedical engineers and spinal surgeons. The book is divided into four key sections, each building on the previous to offer a thorough understanding of spine biomechanics. It starts with the functional anatomy of the spine, emphasizing often overlooked aspects of clinical literature. The second section details the mechanics of spinal tissues, including testing setups and mathematical models. The third section explores contemporary spine research methods, while the final section addresses biomechanical aspects of spinal pathologies and their surgical treatments.
Contributions from leading institutions worldwide ensure the inclusion of the latest research and expertise in spine biomechanics. Highlights include in-depth experimental testing, numerical simulation, and in vivo studies, such as imaging and motion analysis. The book stands out for its comprehensive approach, bridging the gap between biomechanical knowledge and clinical application. It is indispensable for professionals in the field, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for understanding and treating spinal disorders.
Contributions from leading institutions worldwide ensure the inclusion of the latest research and expertise in spine biomechanics. Highlights include in-depth experimental testing, numerical simulation, and in vivo studies, such as imaging and motion analysis. The book stands out for its comprehensive approach, bridging the gap between biomechanical knowledge and clinical application. It is indispensable for professionals in the field, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for understanding and treating spinal disorders.
- Provides a complete reference which covers all topics related to spine biomechanics (tissue mechanics, methods of investigation, spinal disorders)
- Focuses on clinically relevant research questions without compromising on scientific rigour
- Includes contributions from a large group of experts with worldwide recognition
Biomedical engineers and researchers (research labs, manufacturers of orthopaedic devices, engineering students) interested in spine biomechanics
Section 1: Introduction and functional anatomy
1. Historical perspective on spine biomechanics research
2. Anatomy, development and evolution of the human spine
3. General biomechanics of the spine
4. The cervical spine
5. The thoracic spine and the rib cage
6. The lumbar spine
7. Sacrum and pelvis
Section 2: Biomechanics of Spinal Tissues
8. Vertebral bone
9. Intervertebral disc
10. Vertebral endplates
11. Spinal muscles
12. Cell biomechanics and mechanobiology
Section 3: Methods in Spine Biomechanics Research
13. Spinal imaging
14. Motion analysis
15. In vitro testing of cadaveric specimens
16. Standard testing
17. Mathematical and finite element modeling
18. Musculoskeletal modeling
19. Animal models for spine biomechanics
20. Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Section 4: Spinal Disorders and Spine Surgery Degenerative disorders
21. Intervertebral disc degeneration
22. Biomechanics of low back pain
23. Disc herniation
24. Biomechanics of physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal implants
25. Fixation and fusion
26. Motion preservation
27. Nucleus replacement and regenerative therapies Spinal deformities
28. Pediatric and adolescent scoliosis
29. Sagittal imbalance
30. Adult spine deformities
31. Neuromuscular spine disorders Trauma, osteoporosis and tumors
32. Spinal fractures
33. Whiplash
34. Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures
35. Spine tumors
36. Biomechanics of spinal cord injuries
37. Glossary
1. Historical perspective on spine biomechanics research
2. Anatomy, development and evolution of the human spine
3. General biomechanics of the spine
4. The cervical spine
5. The thoracic spine and the rib cage
6. The lumbar spine
7. Sacrum and pelvis
Section 2: Biomechanics of Spinal Tissues
8. Vertebral bone
9. Intervertebral disc
10. Vertebral endplates
11. Spinal muscles
12. Cell biomechanics and mechanobiology
Section 3: Methods in Spine Biomechanics Research
13. Spinal imaging
14. Motion analysis
15. In vitro testing of cadaveric specimens
16. Standard testing
17. Mathematical and finite element modeling
18. Musculoskeletal modeling
19. Animal models for spine biomechanics
20. Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Section 4: Spinal Disorders and Spine Surgery Degenerative disorders
21. Intervertebral disc degeneration
22. Biomechanics of low back pain
23. Disc herniation
24. Biomechanics of physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal implants
25. Fixation and fusion
26. Motion preservation
27. Nucleus replacement and regenerative therapies Spinal deformities
28. Pediatric and adolescent scoliosis
29. Sagittal imbalance
30. Adult spine deformities
31. Neuromuscular spine disorders Trauma, osteoporosis and tumors
32. Spinal fractures
33. Whiplash
34. Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures
35. Spine tumors
36. Biomechanics of spinal cord injuries
37. Glossary
- No. of pages: 600
- Language: English
- Edition: 2
- Published: October 1, 2025
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Hardback ISBN: 9780443265686
- eBook ISBN: 9780443265693
FG
Fabio Galbusera
Fabio Galbusera, engineer, is the Head of Spine Research at the Schulthess Clinic in Zürich, Switzerland. His main research interests are the biomechanics of the spine, the use of numerical models for its investigation as well as spinal imaging, about which he published more than 170 papers in international peer-reviewed journals. In the last years, he pioneered the use of artificial intelligence in the field of spine research, especially for the automated analysis of radiological images of the spine. One of his works in this field was awarded the ISSLS Prize for Bioengineering 2021. He is a member of the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine (ISSLS), the Spine Society of Europe (EUROSPINE), the European Society of Biomechanics (ESB) and the European Society of Radiology (ESR), and is currently part of the Editorial Boards of Journal of Biomechanics, European Spine Journal, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology and of European Radiology Experimental.Regarding books, in 2018 he edited the book “Biomechanics of the Spine: Basic Concepts, Spinal Disorders and Treatments” together with Prof. Hans-Joachim Wilke, published by Elsevier.
Affiliations and expertise
Head of Research Group Spine, Schulthess Clinic, Zürich, SwitzerlandHW
Hans-Joachim Wilke
Prof. Hans-Joachim Wilke is the Co-Director of the Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics of Ulm University, Ulm, Germany, where he is responsible of the spine research group. He has been President of the Spine Society of Europe as well as of the German Spine Society, and is currently co-Editor of European Spine Journal for the basic science papers. Besides, Prof. Wilke is the founder and chairman of the Grammer Award for spine research. He has been involved in several large scale research projects funded by the European Commission.
Affiliations and expertise
Co-Director, Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany