The importance of soft tissue mechanics in stability and instability of the cervical spine: A functional diagnosis for treatment planning

This paper outlines the concept of a median vertebral column, a philosophy recognized in the orthopedic field. The philosophy presented here is guided by the principles of facet analysis and is based on the fact that the cervical spine must have physiological curvature to maintain its stability. The paper outlines the concept of 'tripodism,' the major factors to be considered in treatment planning, a study of 44 cases with vertebral slide, and the method and objectives of facet analysis.