The Scientific Basis of Orthopaedics

This book represents an outgrowth of basic science seminars for orthopedic residents, focusing particularly on normal structure and function of the musculoskeletal system. In the eight years since publication of the first edition, basic knowledge in orthopedics has undergone a steady growth, although admittedly a less spectacular growth than that of the technical aspect of the specialty. It is over the less traveled road leading to basic understanding that the authors guide the reader. The editors of this work are two experts in the field who have collaborated with 22 authors, or ten more than in the first edition. The text has been updated and expanded from 493 small-size to 526 large-size pages. New chapters on circulation and ligaments and fibrous tissues have been included in recognition of the increased importance of microvascular and reconstructive surgery. The chapter dealing with cells now incorporates a section on extracellular matrix components, and