Musculoskeletal disorders and orthopedic conditions.

Ongoing advances in orthopedics include discoveries of functions of matrix proteins, development of new implant materials that are more durable and more compatible with magnetic resonance imaging, and identification of genes causing musculoskeletal disorders and disease. The Human Genome Project will further clarify the genetic basis of specific musculoskeletal disorders, enhancing risk factor identification, diagnosis, and therapy. Engineered, cell-based materials will replace metals and plastics in implants, and new composite materials will promote bone in-growth.