Multi-scale mechanics of musculoskeletal tissues

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Degenerative disc disease, low back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and repetitive loading syndromes are some of the most prevalent causes of morbidity in the Western world, and all predictions point to an increasing prevalence for the foreseeable future. The musculoskeletal system functions primarily to transmit mechanical loads, yet also has the remarkable ability of biological tissues to maintain and repair itself normally throughout life. This ability is attributable to the cells within the tissues, which all contain the essential information to direct the synthesis, assembly, and repair of the structural macromolecules in the extracellular matrix. Considerable evidence indicates that musculoskeletal tissues are well adapted to their biomechanical environment, and can adapt in response to changing mechanical demands. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood and there is a need to investigate more quantitatively and directly the in situ effect of complex and physiological mechanical loads on cell bio-synthesis.