Bone and Osteoarthritis (Topics in Bone Biology, 4)

Bone and Osteoarthritis places emphasis on the molecular and cellular events that lead to osteoarthritis, stressing the role of subchondral bone, which distinguishes this from other books on the disease. A novel aspect is the attention given to the possible epigenetic basis, together with a discussion of the genetics predisposing to osteoarthritis. Detailed analyses are given of the role of the synovium, of the molecular mechanisms that lead to degradation of the cartilage matrix, of the hypertrophy of the cartilage cell, of the anabolic and catabolic roles of cytokines, may lead to novel approaches to clinical treatment, utilizing anabolic mediators or molecules that target steps in the disease process. Also discussed are animal models and how mechano-responsiveness is compromised by mechanical injury. Orthopedics and rheumatology have become close conceptually, as advances in bone and joint biology have enabled bench and translational scientists, as well as practitioners, to approach clinical problems comprehensively. Because bone plays a role in initiating osteoarthritis, therapeutic approaches focusing on bone tissue are included in the discussion of novel treatments. The general topic of osteoarthritis is therefore a timely subject for a series on bone biology. This book, intended for clinicians, researchers and students, provides information that will orient the novice and update the specialist. No other book treats the relationship of bone to osteoarthritis in similar fashion or provides a comparable underpinning of joint pathophysiology.