Developments in spinal surgery have led to an increased demand for bone stock. However, the demand for bone stock often outweighs the quantity available for harvesting. Biomaterials scientists are aiming to develop an unlimited supply of implant material which is both osteoconductive, osteoinducive and with elasticity similar to human bone. This book reviews spine biology and biomechanics, the latest developments in spinal biomaterials such as cages, plates and discs and developments in regeneration of the spine. Part one discusses the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine. Chapters in part two look at disc replacement and spinal fusion. Part three reviews vertebroplasty while part four discusses scoliosis surgery. The final section reviews regenerative medicine for the spine.
