Mechanical Loading of Bones and Joints

Bones and joints are always under mechanical loading a key concept in understanding bone metabolism. Among the most common diseases of bones and joints in the elderly are osteoporosis and joint osteoarthritis. Dynamic changes in mechanical loading give rise to problems resulting in stenosis of the spinal column at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar levels. Mechanical loading also accelerates joint destruction caused by inflammation from such conditions as chronic rheumatoid arthritis. An underst…