Foreword

vii

Preface to the fifth edition

ix

Preface to the first edition

xi

1

The lumbar vertebrae

1

2

The interbody joint and the intervertebral discs

11

3

The zygapophysial joints - detailed structure

29

4

The ligaments of the lumbar spine

39

5

The lumbar lordosis and the vertebral canal

49

6

The sacrum

57

7

Basic biomechanics

61

8

Movements of the lumbar spine

73

9

The lumbar muscles and their fasciae

93

10

Nerves of the lumbar spine

117

11

Blood supply of the lumbar spine

133

12

Embryology and development

141

13

Age changes in the lumbar spine

157

14

The sacroiliac joint

165

15

Low back pain

173

16

Instability

207

17

Reconstructive anatomy

217

18

Radiographic anatomy

225

19

Sagittal magnetic resonance scans

235

20

Axial magnetic resonance imaging

243

Appendix

251

Index

253