Clinical and Radiological Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine

Book excerpt: Clinical and Radiological Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine 5e continues to offer practical, comprehensive coverage of the subject area in a unique single volume which successfully bridges the gap between the basic science of the lumbar region and findings commonly seen in the clinic. Prepared by an author of international renown, Clinical and Radiological Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine 5e provides clear anatomical descriptions of the individual components of the lumbar region, as well as the intact spine, accompanied by a full colour artwork programme. Detailed anatomical descriptions are followed by an explanation of the basic principles of biomechanics and spinal movement together with a comprehensive overview of embryology and the influence of age-related change in the lumbar region. The problem of low back pain and instability are also fully explored while an expanded section on medical imaging completes the volume. Clinical and Radiological Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine 5e offers practical, validated and clinically relevant information to all practitioners and therapists working in the field of low back pain and will be ideal for students and practitioners of chiropractic, osteopathic medicine and osteopathy, physiotherapy, physical therapy, pain medicine and physiatry worldwide. - Presents a clear and accessible overview of the basic science relating to the structure and function of the lumbar spine - Written by an internationally renowned expert in the fields of both clinical anatomy and back pain - Describes the structure of the individual components of the lumbar spine, as well as the intact spine - Goes beyond the scope of most anatomy books by endeavouring to explain why the vertebrae and their components are constructed the way they are - Provides an introduction to biomechanics and spinal movement with special emphasis on the role of the lumbar musculature - Explores both embryology and the process of aging in the context of spinal structure and function - Explores mechanical back pain within the context of the structural and biomechanical principles developed earlier in the volume - Extensive reference list allows readers seeking to undertake research projects on some aspect of the lumbar spine with a suitable starting point in their search through the literature - Perfect for use both as an initial resource in undergraduate training in physiotherapy and physical medicine or as essential reading for postgraduate studies - Greatly expanded section on medical imaging - Increased elaboration of the regional anatomy of the lumbar spine - Includes chapter on reconstructive anatomy, which provides an algorithm showing how to put the lumbar spine back together - Presents an ethos of 'anatomy by expectation' - to show readers what to expect on an image, rather than being required to identify what is seen