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Elsevier

Biomechanics of the Human Spine

Basic Concepts, Spinal Disorders and Treatments

  • 2nd Edition - March 1, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Editors: Fabio Galbusera, Hans-Joachim Wilke
  • Language: English

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

Description

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 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.

Key features

  • 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

Readership

Biomedical engineers and researchers (research labs, manufacturers of orthopaedic devices, engineering students) interested in spine biomechanics

Table of contents

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

Product details

  • Edition: 2
  • Latest edition
  • Published: March 20, 2026
  • Language: English

About the editors

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, Switzerland

HW

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

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