This detailed second edition provides key updates on well-established methods as well as coverage of recently emerging sophisticated techniques and methods that are essential for an in-depth and state-of-the-art understanding of skeletal development and homeostasis and the pathological mechanisms that cause skeletal degeneration. The first half of the book examines cell and molecular biological aspects of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, while the remainder of the collection focuses on in vivo models of skeletal tissue injury, degeneration, and repair. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.