The course gives an introduction into bone biology and provides an overview on current research methods and clinical approaches. Emphasis is put on skeletal development and metabolism, osteoporosis as well as fracture healing. Each topic is structured into three parts: basics, research and clinics.

The course gives an introduction into traumatic and degenerative pathologies of skeletal tissues. Emphasis is put on bone, cartilage and intervertebral disc. Established and new treatments are described, including cell, gene and molecular therapy, biomaterials, tissue engineering and infection prevention. In vitro/in vivo models are explained.