Anatomy of the Human Spine

Dr. Stuart Remer has served as a spine and orthopedic surgeon for more than 20 years. Particularly experienced in the surgical treatment of scoliosis, Dr. Stuart Remer draws on an in-depth knowledge of spinal structure and function.

The human spine consists of four basic regions. Closest to the head is the cervical spine, which consists of seven individual vertebrae that stack atop one another with a slight inward curvature. The top two cervical vertebrae facilitate forward and backward bend, known as flexion and extension, as well as horizontal rotation of the head. The lower five vertebrae allow for lateral flexion that brings the ear to the shoulder.

Below the cervical spine are the 12 vertebrae of the thoracic spine, which together form an outward C curve. These lie atop the five vertebrae of the lumbar spine, which has an inward curve similar in shape to that of the cervical spine.

Although the lumbar spine is generally more mobile than the thoracic, both sets of vertebrae allow for all four types of movement, including flexion and extension as well as lateral flexion and rotation. Flexion has a significantly greater range of motion as compared to other types of movement.

The lowest section of the spine is known as the sacrum. It consists of five fused vertebrae that together form a portion of the pelvis, while the coccyx extends downward below it. The fusion of these vertebrae means that there is no motion between bones, though there is some in the sacroiliac joints that connect this portion of the spine to the lateral pelvic bones.

Scoliosis Surgery

 

A fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with 30-years of experience, Dr. Stuart Remer holds membership with the North American Spine Society and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In his practice, Dr. Stuart Remer treats people with scoliosis by correcting spinal abnormalities via surgery. 


Patients diagnosed with scoliosis exhibit curved and rotated spines that fall outside the scope of normal spinal positioning. The condition often manifests in children just before they enter puberty. In patients with mild scoliosis, physicians may recommend monitoring to ensure that the curvature does not get worse. Sometimes, no treatment is required. 

However, in patients with more severe cases of scoliosis, physicians may recommend surgical care to correct scoliosis and/or prevent its progression. Orthopaedic surgeons have several options available when treating patients with scoliosis. 

For instance, surgeons can opt for a procedure to fuse spinal vertebrae such that the spine stops moving, halting scoliosis progression. Options that do not rely on spinal fusion are also available. These involve putting pressure on a particular spot along the spinal curve such that the outer-curve side grows more slowly than the inner-curve side, ultimately achieving a straighter spine.