Bone Homeostasis and Physiology in Normal and Orthopaedic Disease Conditions

Abstract

Some of the most common human systemic diseases—both benign and malignant—affect bone regulation, formation, and homeostasis (the cellular balance regulated by osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts). This review discusses our current understanding of the molecular components and mechanisms that are responsible for homeostasis and interactions resulting in dysregulation (dysfunction due to the loss of the dynamic equilibrium of bone homeostasis). Knowledge of key pathways in bone biology can improve surgeon understanding, clinical recognition, and treatment of bone homeostasis–related diseases.