Background:​ Finite element analysis is one of the spine biomechanics research methods that can commonly be used now. With the progress of imaging and image processing, the continuous development and application of finite element analysis software, spine biomechanics researches are further developed.

Objective:​ To introduce the differences of concept, principle between finite element and the other biomechanical study methods.

Methods:​ Chinese journal full-text, Chinese science and technology periodical and PubMed databases were retrieved by computer for articles published from January 1979 to January 2011 about the finite element analysis of lumbar spine biomechanics in the title and abstract with the key words of “lumbar, finite element, biomechanics” in Chinese or “lumbar, finite element, biomechanics” in English. Articles related to lumbar finite element analysis were selected. The articles which published in recently literatures or the authoritative magazines were selected in the same field. A total of 591 articles were selected, finally 20 articles were involved for summarization according to inclusion criteria.

Results and Conclusion:​ In recent years, application of the finite element analysis in biomechanics analysis of physiological and pathological conditions in lumbar spine:​ different operative methods, fixation devices and artificial implant on the influence of lumbar biomechanics are different.