In this section
Based at Imperial's White City Campus, we are a research group with a focus on Spine Biomechanics. We use a range of tools to better understanding in the areas of spinal injury, spinal deformity and spinal surgery.
Our lab has state-of-the-art ex vivo testing capabilities, including bespoke testing rigs, a 6 DOF robot arm, a C-arm, pressure needles, water baths, and high-speed X-ray. We also have access to advanced imaging technologies, including micro-CT, 9.4T MRI, and microscopy.
We use novel computational approaches (finite element modelling, msk modelling, digital volume correlation (DVC), machine learning) to develop workflows to provide clinicians with information to inform patient treatment strategies, to better predict risk of injury, and to assess scoliosis brace designs.
We collaborate globally, with ongoing projects with colleagues in New Zealand, USA, Portugal, South Africa, Germany, Australia, Sri Lanka and India.
You can explore our recent publications below.
@inbook{Slater:2026:10.1016/B978-0-443-26568-6.00039-4,
author = {Slater, T and Gnanaprakash, G and Wilke, HJ and Rajasekaran, S and Newell, N},
booktitle = {Biomechanics of the Human Spine Basic Concepts Spinal Disorders and Treatments},
doi = {10.1016/B978-0-443-26568-6.00039-4},
pages = {347--360},
title = {Disc herniation},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-26568-6.00039-4},
year = {2026}
}
TY - CHAP
AB - The chapter describes the biomechanics and clinical observations of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), a condition in which disc material displaces from its normal position, leading to nerve compression and inflammation. It outlines two main failure mechanisms, namely, annulus fibrosus rupture and endplate junction failure, and details the different types of herniation, including protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration, and their anatomical impact. The diagnosis of herniation relies on physical examination and imaging, particularly MRI. Initial management is conservative, including rest, physiotherapy, and antiinflammatory treatment. If symptoms persist, surgical options, such as discectomy or endoscopic approaches, are considered. The chapter also discusses the limited regenerative capacity of the disc, risk factors such as age, smoking, and obesity, and the possibility of recurrent LDH. Recurrence is influenced by surgical technique, disc morphology, and patient behavior, sometimes requiring revision surgery or spinal fusion to restore spinal stability and relieve symptoms.
AU - Slater,T
AU - Gnanaprakash,G
AU - Wilke,HJ
AU - Rajasekaran,S
AU - Newell,N
DO - 10.1016/B978-0-443-26568-6.00039-4
EP - 360
PY - 2026///
SP - 347
TI - Disc herniation
T1 - Biomechanics of the Human Spine Basic Concepts Spinal Disorders and Treatments
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-26568-6.00039-4
ER -