Well-known for their inability to heal, articular cartilage injuries often degenerate inexorably to disastrous impairment. Multitudes of treatments have been devised for this problem, but no satisfactory long-term solutions have been established. Written by world-class experts, Articular Cartilage covers the latest research and advancements related to biology, development, pathology, clinical applications, and tissue engineering. This bookis useful for rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, cartilage biologists, and cartilage engineers as well as for professionals working in the orthopaedic and other musculoskeletal industries. This book also belongs in the library of primary care physicians, gerontologists, physical therapists, kinesiologists, and chiropractors. Written at a level that allows accessibility to a wide audience, it provides an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses the breadth and depth of basic science, bioengineering, translational science, and detailed methodologic approaches. The authors examine the major events and signaling molecules that lead to development of articular cartilage from precursor cells, and the changes in cartilage as it matures and ages. They focus on the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, and therapeutic approaches for cartilage injury and the major arthritides that affect cartilage and the synovial joints such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. They supply an up-to-date overview of the field of tissue engineering as applied to articular cartilage repair. They examine a number of methods used to assess structure, composition, biology, and biomechanical function. Each chapter contains extensive references to enhance additional study. The book’s comprehensive focus on multiple aspects of articular cartilage sets it apart from other tissue engineering or developmental biology-based books available. It includes important discussions and perspectives on many of the remaining challenges and opportunities in the development and translation of new approaches for treating diseases of articular cartilage. It also provides detailed working protocols for many of the methods used to study articular cartilage, coverage of current treatment options, and business and regulatory aspects of the development of cartilage products. It provides a deeper understanding that will help with the development of new products and clinical applications.

Structure and Function of Cartilage Introduction Chondrocytes and Their Cellular Characteristics Cartilage Matrix Characteristics and Organization Articular Cartilage Biomechanical Properties Chapter Concepts References Articular Cartilage Development Introduction Cellular Behavior during Embryogenesis Articular Cartilage Growth and Maturation Signaling Pathways during Development and Maintenance of Articular Cartilage Signaling Factors Chapter Concepts References Articular Cartilage Pathology and Therapies Introduction Cartilage Injuries Current and Emerging Therapies for Articular Cartilage Repair and Arthritis Motivation for Tissue Engineering Chapter Concepts Appendix References Tissue Engineering of Articular Cartilage Introduction The Need for In Vitro Tissue Engineering Cell Source Biomaterials and Scaffold Design Bioactive Molecules for Cartilage Engineering Bioreactors and Mechanical Stimulation Convergence of Stimuli Chapter Concepts References Methods for Evaluating Articular Cartilage Quality Introduction Imaging Techniques Histology, Immunohistochemistry, and Other Ultrastructural Techniques Techniques for the Quantitative Assessment of Biochemical Components Biomechanical Techniques Animal Models Clinical Scoring Systems Chapter Concepts References Perspectives on the Translational Aspects of Articular Cartilage Biology Introduction Challenges and Opportunities in Articular Cartilage Biology and Regeneration Immune Response, Immunogenicity, and Transplants Business Aspects and Regulatory Affairs Statutes and Guidelines Chapter Concepts References Experimental Protocols Introduction Tissue and Cell Culture Gross Morphology, Histology, and Immunohistochemistry Protein Analysis Insoluble Matrix Component Extraction and Assaying RNA Extraction and Gene Expression Assaying Tissue Biomechanical Properties Animal Protocols