The young athlete's spinal mechanics

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to review current concepts regarding the functional anatomy and biomechanics of spinal movements of the young athlete. The introduction includes a review of the special considerations of the functional anatomy of the spine in the young athlete to include changes in anatomical structures such as ligaments, tendons, muscle, and bone. In addition, spinal postures in the young athletes are discussed and how sporting activities may have a negative effect on spinal postures, which may alter spinal mechanics. A comparison of the pediatric, adolescent, and adult spinal mechanics is discussed, and how these differences could alter the functional mechanics in the young spine that may potentially lead to injury. Furthermore, changes in the facet joints in the young spine are reviewed, along with coupling concepts of spinal movements and their implication as to changes in spinal kinematics.