The book examines recent developments in regenerative medicine and the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound. Musculoskeletal regeneration has become a prominent research topic, no doubt due to the sociological and economic pressures imposed by the current ageing population. The ever expanding role of regenerative medicine and the identification as well as characterization of stem cells have introduced a major paradigm shift in the field of musculoskeletal and sports medicine as well as orthopaedic surgery. Whereas in the past, diseased tissue was replaced with allograft material, current trends in research revolve around regenerating damaged tissue.

Specifically, regenerative medicine stands in contrast to the standard treatment modalities which impair the body's natural abilities to facilitate endogenous repair mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory drugs; or destructive modalities (e.g., radiotherapy, nerve ablation, injections of botulinum toxin) and surgical interventions that permanently alter the functioning of a joint, bone or spine. When compared to other allopathic options (including knee and hip arthroplasty with a 90-day mortality rate of 0.7%), regenerative medicine treatment modalities have a lower incidence of adverse events with a growing body of statistically significant medical literature illustrating both their safety and efficacy.

Focusing on the major values of regenerative medicine, this book with its 21 chapters is expected to fill an important void in the current literature. It will take that extra step to guide you in your day to day clinical practice. Featuring contributions from a large international group of leaders in regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasonography, this book is an authoritative reference for rheumatologists, physiatrists, sonographers, radiologists, physiotherapists and orthopaedic specialists.

Yasser El Miedany

Canterbury Christ Church University

Institute of Medical Sciences

Canterbury, Kent, England

United Kingdom