This user-friendly, pragmatic book discusses the normal and pathological conditions of the appendicular skeleton, with a focus on the preservation of joint function, providing a detailed overview of strategies for both common and complex joint preservation.

The first section covers basic topics, ranging from joints homeostasis and biomechanics, to genetics, bio-orthopedics, tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting. The following sections are each dedicated to a specific joint - its functional anatomy, pathologic conditions, diagnostics and treatment.

This book is of interest to orthopedists and sports medicine specialists treating common and complex injuries of the joints.

Introductory aspects. Introduction

Joint homeostasis
Function and dysfunction of the joint
The joint as an organ.-  Impact of Biomechanics in a joint
Diagnosis of an Osteochondral defect
Mapping of an osteochondral defect
Synovial disease
Osteochondral unit
Current concepts in subchondral bone pathology
Inflammatory environment and cartilage disease
Osteonecrosis and effects of systemic disease
Arthritis and Rheumatological Pathologies
Understanding Genetics in cartilage disease
Bio-orthopaedics in Joint preservation
Cost of disability
Tissue engineering: Scaffolds and bio tissues
3D Bio-printing.  Shoulder osteochondral unit function. Functional anatomy and Diagnostic
Pathologies and Treatment . Elbow osteochondral unit function. Functional anatomy and Diagnostic
Pathologies and Treatment .Wrist osteochondral unit function. Functional anatomy and Diagnostic
Pathologies and Treatment. Hip osteochondral unit function. Functional anatomy and Diagnostic
Pathologies and Treatment. Knee osteochondral unit function. Functional anatomy and Diagnostic
Pathologies and Treatment. Ankle osteochondral unit function. Functional anatomy and Diagnostic
Pathologies and Treatment.