Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
Deciphering the development of synovial joints in the limbs: Recent discoveries and clinical implications
Abstract The synovial joints are essential for skeletal function and dexterity and do so by virtue of their components and structure. The capsule protects and insulates the joint from the surrounding environment, articular cartilage provides mechanical resilience and endurance, the ligaments stabilize motion, and the synovial cavity and fluid sustain frictionless sliding. These and other fundamental aspects of synovial joint biology are well known and recognized. However, how the joints form during embryogenesis an …