The purpose fulfilled by the se ries "Praktische Anatomie" (also referred to as "Lanz Wachsmuth" after its founders) is to make anatomists and clinical practitioners recog nize and build on, common ground their ideas and structures. The volume on the anatomy of the back is a supe rb illustration of how such a concept may be realized; it has been prepared by experienced members of the Swiss school, which enjoys a distinguished reputation in the fields of both anatomy and clinical medicine. For this reason I find it particularly appropriate that Springer-Verlag is publishing an English translation of this volume. This will make it possible to re ach beyond the confines of the German-speaking world a wider public who will also derive benefit from its content. Knowledge must not be confined by language barriers. This general principle is partic ularly applicable in situations where we are concerned about sick people. I am there fore glad to wish the English edition of this volume every success throughout the world. Würzburg WERNER W ACHSMUTH Preface The back is apart of the human body subject to degenerative changes and diseases that manifest themselves in many ways and with ever-increasing frequency. Almost every doctor is regularly confronted by patients with back complaints. Knowledge of the underlying anatomy must be the basis on which diagnosis and treatment are founded.
