Summary

This volume aims at bringing together investigators from a number of sub-fields to attempt an integrative approach. Thus, the mechanical aspects of bone are studied by anatomists, biologists, clinicians and engineers. In each case, individual investigators usually have some knowledge of the other fields, but disciplinary allegiances mean that it is remarkably difficult to get them all together in one group. The process of diffusion across disciplines represented in this volume will strengthen and hopefully be the start of the development of a coherent theory concerning bone structure and remodelling. The chapters include theoretical, mechanical, architectural and experimental approaches. They especially attempt to elucidate the complexities involved in the different methodologies and the interactions amongst the different disciplines.