Diseases and disorders affecting the bones and joints come in many forms. There are numerous bone and joint disorders such as osteoperosis, osteomalacia (softening of the bones), scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine), bone cancers and more.
Diseases of bone and cartilage are progressive and debilitating. Untreated bone and joint conditions can lead to arthritis, disabilities, breaks and fractures, chronic pain and much more. Treatments mainly focus on symptomatic relief. Eventually patients may require joint replacement.
PCOM researchers study the development, morphology and function of the skeletal system and related disease processes, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteomyelitis and peri-prosthetic infection. Their work has identified novel targets for the development of drugs that may prevent or limit bone and joint degeneration.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
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