Back pain is one of the most costly and debilitating disorders, with substantial direct medical and indirect socio-economic costs. The high prevalence of back pain is compounded by its complex, multi-factorial basis and a frequent lack of a clear and reliable diagnosis. A complex array of mechanical, chemical, biological and psychological initiators are thought to be involved in the development of spinal diseases. To date, the treatment of spinal disorders has focused on a traditional engineering approach, employing conventional materials in the development of structural implants to support and stabilise the spine. However, evaluation of the long-term outcome of spinal surgery has cast some doubt on the effectiveness of this "nuts and bolts" reconstruction of the spine and has highlighted the need for improved diagnosis prior to treatment, a stronger integration of biology into therapy and the development of newer, biomimetic materials for spinal implants. In this talk, the potential role of biomedical engineering in the field of spinal medicine will be illustrated through personal and literature examples.

Prof. Stephen Fergusoncompleted his studies as a mechanical engineer at the University of Toronto in 1991. Following a stint in industry, he completed his master studies at Queen's University in 1994, followed by a research internship at the AO Research Institute in Davos. From 1996 - 2000 he wrote his doctoral thesis at Queen's University. After his promotion, he spent two years as a postdoc at the University of Bern before assuming leadership of the Biomechanics Division there. In 2006 he received his Venia Docendi in "Musculoskeletal Biomechanics" at the University of Bern, where he was also co-director of the ARTORG Spine Research Center.
The focus of Prof. Ferguson's research is the study of the mechanical and biological mechanisms of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries and the use of innovative technologies for their treatment. The challenge presented by an ageing population is of primary importance. He and his group study new biomaterials and implant concepts and develop the technical means for their application in the clinic.
He is the author of over 90 scientific papers, 6 book chapters and 3 patent applications. In 2009, he and his co-authors received the European Spine Journal GRAMMER prize for best scientific work. In 2005, he and his partners received the CTI Medtech Award for the project "BoneWelding". He is on the editorial board of the journals Clinical Biomechanics and Journal of Biomechanics.