title: A critique of applications of the Euler equation to the human spine.
abstract: The Euler buckling theory has been presented as evidence that spinal curves increase the spine's axial load carrying capacity. The Euler theory is however, derived for an initially straight beam or column and as such cannot be applied to initially curved structures, such as the human spine.
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D013131:Spine / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013314:Stress, Mechanical