Integrating Biomechanics and Clinical Strategies for Spinal Deformity, Degeneration, and Trauma

Spinal disorders, such as deformities, degenerative conditions, and acute injuries, create substantial health burdens globally, particularly among aging populations. The pathophysiology of these disorders is shaped by complex biomechanical interactions at the levels of spinal segments, the whole spine, and supporting musculoskeletal structures. Traditional management strategies are challenged by variability in alignment, compensation, age-related degeneration, and the risk of mechanical complications following intervention. Recent developments in musculoskeletal biomechanics (including advanced radiographic assessment, computational modeling, and evidence-based surgical techniques) have transformed our capacity to analyze spinopelvic dynamics, predict outcomes, and individualize treatments. Key breakthroughs such as clinical finite element analysis, patient-specific alignment targets, refined risk stratification, and multi-modal imaging have opened new avenues for surgical planning and long-term outcomes optimization. Nevertheless, significant gaps remain in efficiently translating biomechanical advances into practical, patient-centered solutions and integrating them widely in clinical care.This Research Topic aims to advance the integration of biomechanics into the management of spinal disorders, focusing on clinically relevant applications that improve patient outcomes and guide surgical decision-making. Our objectives are to bring together original studies and reviews that: clarify biomechanical mechanisms underlying spinal deformity, degeneration, or injury; validate and refine alignment and compensation metrics; enhance preoperative planning and risk prediction; and assess the real-world performance of surgical approaches and spine implants from a biomechanical perspective. By fostering dialogue among engineers, clinicians, and imaging scientists, this collection will catalyze progress in patient-tailored interventions, complication prevention, and long-term function restoration across a spectrum of spinal pathologies and patient populations.This Research Topic welcomes submissions spanning the full continuum of applied spinal biomechanics while retaining a central focus on translational value. Submissions might include clinical studies, computational modeling, experimental biomechanics, and integrative reviews, provided they relate directly to the structure, function, compensation, or treatment of spinal disorders.To gather further insights, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Biomechanics and aging: implications for spinal alignment, risk stratification, and treatment optimization- Spinopelvic balance, sagittal parameters, and compensatory mechanisms in spinal deformity and degeneration- Computational and experimental modeling (e.g., finite element analysis) of spinal constructs, instrumentation, and surgical interventions- Biomechanical analysis of outcomes and complications in spinal fusion, arthroplasty, hybrid, or dynamic stabilization procedures- Radiographic and clinical parameter development, validation, and application in surgical strategy and outcome prediction - Injury biomechanics, risk factors, and criteria for spinal fracture, kyphosis recurrence, or instrumentation failure- Comparative evaluation of surgical techniques, alignment strategies, and their biomechanical underpinnings- Systematic reviews integrating biomechanical principles with clinical evidence in spinal care Topic editors: Xiangyao Sun, Yuan Shun Lo, Siyuan Sun Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77831/integrating-biomechanics-and-clinical-strategies-for-spinal-deformity-degeneration-and-trauma