The Nature of Joints and Joint Diseases

Abstract

Joints exist to enable bones to move relative to one another. In the simplest joints, which permit only limited movement, the bone ends are separated by a band of fibrous tissue which tethers the bone ends together and yet gives a degree of flexibility (Fig. 1.1). As the functional needs of joints become more complex, so the nature of the joint changes. In a joint like the knee, which is adapted to permit bending, rotation and sliding of the articular surfaces relative to one another, tethering of the bone ends is inappropriate.