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. Wurzburg 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.