The normal joint

An understanding of the normal anatomy, biochemistry and function of joints is crucial to understanding their pathology. It is only by knowing what is normal that we can define abnormal and also judge whether our interventions and treatments are benefiting or causing further damage! A number of key advancements in the understanding of normal joint anatomy and physiology have been made in the last 10 years that have opened up new areas of research on the treatment of joint disorders. By the end of this section you should have knowledge of:

• Different types of joints and where they are located in the body
• Structures that make up a Synovial joint
• The function of joints including their normal ranges of motion, joint mechanisms for dealing with stress and strain (i.e. work)
• Histological and biochemical makeup of joints
• Key mediators in normal physiology of joints

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