Dana Sommerfeld
Papers
2
Total Citations
60
H-Index
2
About
Dana Sommerfeld is a leading biomechanics researcher whose work focuses on the mechanical behavior of the human lumbar spine, particularly in the context of degeneration and spinal loading. Her key research areas include spinal biomechanics, tissue degeneration, and the multi-axial mechanical properties of intervertebral discs. Sommerfeld’s major contributions lie in characterizing the six-degree-of-freedom mechanical properties of lumbar spine segments, providing critical data on how degeneration affects shear loading—a previously underexplored but clinically significant factor. Her 2016 paper, “Effect of degeneration on the six degree of freedom mechanical properties of human lumbar spine segments,” has garnered 33 citations, highlighting its impact on understanding low back pain mechanisms. In a related study, “The effect of six degree of freedom loading sequence on the in-vitro compressive properties of human lumbar spine segments” (27 citations), she demonstrated how loading sequences influence spinal compression behavior, advancing in vitro testing methodologies. Sommerfeld’s work bridges a gap between clinical observations—such as increased lateral shear forces in low back pain patients—and quantitative biomechanical data, offering essential insights for surgical planning, implant design, and rehabilitation strategies. Her research is foundational for students and clinicians seeking to understand the complex mechanics of spinal degeneration.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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