Evidence generated by a number of genetic studies indicates that growth is regulated by a number of genes and that interference with their expression can have catastrophic effects on the well being of the whole organism. This work covers skeletal development and growth.

This comprehensive and illustrated reference work covers all aspects of growth plate fractures and their complications. It is based on the unique resources of the Mayo Clinic regarding patient follow-up. Following general reviews of growth plate fractures, 21 chapters deal with each epiphyseal growth plate in the body. All of these chapters are constructed similarly for easy and quick retrieval of the required information.

The topic of bone circulation is relatively new and has developed very quickly in the past 20 years; this book reports on the most recent progress since 1982. The chapters discuss the anatomy of bone vascularization, the physiology of vascular regulation, the histopathology of microcirculation and osteonecrosis, experimental studies on bone-blood flow, experimental surgery, methods of exploration, vascular studies of grafts and bone transfer, and surgical and conservative treatment. New developments are given on blood-bone barrier, effect of PGE2 on blood-bone flow, laser Doppler flowmetry, microcirculation and demineralization, vascular repair in osteotomy and fracture, bone arteriography, angioscintigraphy, Ilizarov's technique, and therapeutic aspects of lipid-clearing agents.

Strong roots in basic science and research enhance clinical practice. This book is a rich source of information for basic scientists and translational researchers who focus on musculoskeletal tissues and for orthopedic and trauma surgeons seeking relevant up-to-date information on molecular biology and the mechanics of musculoskeletal tissue repair and regeneration. The book opens by discussing biomaterials and biomechanics, with detailed attention to the biologic response to implants and biomaterials and to the surface modification of implants, an important emerging research field. Finite element analysis, mechanical testing standards and gait analysis are covered. All these chapters are strongly connected to clinical applications. After a section on imaging techniques, musculoskeletal tissues and their functions are addressed, the coverage including, for example, stem cells, molecules important for growth and repair, regeneration of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and peripheral nerves, and the genetic basis of orthopedic diseases. State-of-the-art applications such as platellet rich plasma were included. Imaging is a daily practice of scientists and medical doctors. Recent advancements in ultrasonography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance, bone mineral density measurements using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and scintigraphy was covered following conventional radiography basics. Further extensive sections are devoted to pathology, oncogenesis and tumors, and pharmacology. Structure is always related with function. Surgical anatomy was therefore covered extensively in the last section.

The application of extracorporeal shock waves in the locomotor apparatus offers new therapeutic concepts. This book provides an up-to-date overview on the use of shock waves in orthopaedics. The main emphasis is laid on the basics of shock wave techniques and on the impact of shock waves on cells and organs. The reader is provided with a summary of experimental and clinical results of shock wave therapy applied to the bone and the epiphyseal growth plate. Authors from five clinical centres report on their experiences with shock wave therapy in tendinosis calcarea, epicondylopathy and calcar spur. Furthermore they report on first experiences with shock wave therapy in children with cerebral paresis.