ABSTRACT
The human spinal column is anatomically dened by the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, adjacent muscles and ligaments, and the nervous system that disseminates between and within the spinal tissues.1 Biomechanically, the spine is dened by posture, load history, disc degeneration, and muscle fatigue. Both the anatomic and biomechanical properties of the spine must be understood at the functional segment level, within the spinal region (i.e., cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), and for the entire spine as a whole. The integration of all these factors allows for the denition of abnormalities and the identication of optimal treatments that ameliorate pain or dysfunction. Here, we review the relevant anatomy and kinematics of the different spinal regions. We then review basic biomechanics as it applies to the spine. Following this foundation, we then present relevant issues in spinal instrumentation for the clinical management of spine conditions.
