Dear Colleagues,

This issue will focus on the molecular pathology of the skeleton in response to circulatory alterations, its disorganization in selected diseases, and the resulting clinical consequences. Both osteoblasts and osteoclasts are highly sensitive to their biophysical environment and can alter their cytokine expression profiles in response to changes in fluid flow, pressure, oxygenation, etc. The subsequent effects can be seen and characterized by functional imaging. The altered cytokine environment contributes to several skeletal diseases, including osteoarthritis. Articles for this issue may include:

- perfusion abnormalities in preclinical models of osteoarthritis,
- clinical perfusion disorders in human osteoarthritis,
- avascular necrosis including coagulopathies,
- the biomechanical sequelae of intraosseous hypertension leading to the enigmatic condition of bone marrow edema and its treatment implications,
- the movement of molecules through bone fluids, including fibrinolysis.

Prof. Dr. Roy K. Aaron
Guest Editor