The study of the mechanics of living things has become inseparable from the process of assessing and treating musculoskeletal deformities and diseases. The interdisciplinary exchange between orthopedic physicians and engineers has led to innovative treatment possibilities - from artificial joints to manual therapy. One such exchange, the International Seminar on Biomechanics and the 17th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Orthopedic Biomechanics, is documented in this book. The twenty-two contributions have been edited and arranged to create a cohesive text. They cover important issues such as the biocompatibility of implant materials, stress analysis and functional approaches to gait disorders. The various clinical aspects include fracture treatment, ligament reconstruction and artificial joint replacement in the hip and knee.