Knowledge of lumbar spine morphology and functional anatomy is essential in understanding the relationship between the structures and spinal activity. The shape of the normal spinal curvature in the sagittal plane is essential for maintaining an erect, vertical, bipedal position. The lumbar spine plays a key role in supporting the upper spine and allowing range of motion. Its main functions include maintaining the equilibrium of the upper spine, providing trunk stability, neural protection, biodynamics and haematopoiesis. The pelvis also shares an intrinsic anatomic relationship with the lumbar spine and is equally important in maintaining upright posture. As the centre of gravity changes with body position, the pelvis tilts by rotating around the femoral heads, thus compensating for the imbalance by maintaining the gravity line between the two feet. Problems such as pain or instability may arise in the lumbar spine during performance of activities of daily living, through either improper posture or injury. Fusion is the current gold standard treatment for many such conditions, however, it alters the normal biomechanics of the spine. A sound knowledge of the biomechanics is therefore necessary to enable a better understanding of the factors that influence the clinical problems and their remedy.

Abhijeet Ghoshal is an Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon who trained in Orthopaedic Surgery in Perth, Western Australia, before completing spinal fellowships in Cardiff and Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. His special interests include degenerative disorders, trauma, infection and navigation assisted surgery. Dr Ghoshal is currently the Head of Department of Spinal Surgery at Joondalup Health Campus and practices across both the private and public sectors in Perth. He has also acted as an examiner for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.