Mechanics in skeletal development, adaptation and disease

Mechanical loading plays an important role in the development, adaptation a nd function of the vertebrate skeleton, but our understanding of this role is incomplete. The influence of mechanics initiates during early embryogene sis and continues throughout life, determining the geometric and material c haracteristics of the skeleton. In this paper, the current understanding of bone mechano-biology will be reviewed, high-lighting important open questi ons. Advancing our knowledge in this field, coupled with important. recent biological advances, has exciting potential for orthopaedic methods and tre atments in the future.