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Spinal Anatomy, Modern Concepts

All things spinal. Anatomy as a living language.

Hidden behind a somewhat generic title, “Spinal Anatomy, Modern Concepts,” we discover pearls for anyone interested in the spine. It is edited by Prof. Jean Marc Vital and Dr. Derek Thomas Cawley, both from the University of Bordeaux, with its long established tradition that combines the study of spine surgery, anatomy and physiology. In Bordeaux, these subjects seem inseparable and must be continuously renewed. Vibrantly written, magnificently illustrated, to plunge inside is to find what chapter authors, Dimeglio and Bonnel call, anatomy as a “living language” and to explore its “inexhaustible fecundity.” That is, the spine’s incessant capacity to adapt and transform. The authors remind us that anatomy, as a story, has been told “since the origin of humans.” And yet still, from each generation’s technology and prospective, it must be told again and again.

Renowned anatomist, Brian R. MacPherson says the book, “has clearly met the need for a single source of all things spinal.” It brings insights to physiotherapists, rheumatologists, spinal surgeons, but also to Coligne’s field, the design of spinal implants. Reading this book, we see that carbon composite’s potential, its mechanical programmability to address new understanding in the spine, just starts to be explored. The opportunities are many.

We asked spinal surgeon, Dr. Vincent Challier, trained in both France and the USA, “why do you love Modern Concepts?” He just smiled and then said, “Anyone interested in the French School” — whose contribution to spine surgery range from the pedicle screw to the EOS system — “will enjoy the range of basic physiology, histology and the concepts we use today. For example, what is the difference between spinal balance and alignment in motion? Today, that guides treatment.”

The English language reader, familiar to spinal surgery, will recognize the anatomist and surgeon authors: Jacques Senegas, Pierre Roussouly and Jean Dubousset. They provide a look back, that in places extends through the origins of humankind, some 525 million years, when spinal columns first wandered the earth. From the lizard’s crawl to the biped’s standing up to be human, we see how the spine’s functional elements unfolded through the ages and how they are used, this from the vantage points of several fields. There are also the stories of cutting-edge technology, the usage of Nobel laureate Georges Charpak’s work to model the spine in three dimensions with little radiation. In many spots, chapter authors close their section to expose limitations of today’s understanding, the questions unanswered still. These are part reflection, part call for action, a story to be written.

We found that many principles and descriptions, core ideas, have found their way into today’s implant systems and surgeries. For example, the use of posterior muscle anatomy as a guide for an almost bloodless and atraumatic posterior approach to the lumbar spine, without radiation, to place a specially formed fusion cage. There are examples of a vertebral body’s trabeculea orientation, that become the inspirational source for carbon fiber engineering in cage design. The book also shows how pelvic fixation for long pedicle fixation constructs, may need to retain the minute movements at the sacro iliac joint, but still be designed for fusion.

Spinal Anatomy, Modern Concepts, shows from where we come and where we stand. Most provocatively, it reminds us we can do better and provides some clues for the adventure before us.

Robert Lange

CEO Founder Coligne


30 June 2021