BONES

The story of bone, which is “ubiquitous and versatile” yet also “mysterious.”

“I am an orthopedic surgeon. I’ve been one for 40 years. I love working with and talking about bone,” writes Meals in this sprightly, occasionally droll overview. The author covers an impressive amount of territory in enthusiastic fashion. With bone, he has chosen a subject worthy of his ranging curiosity, for “not only is [it] the world’s best structural support”—light, durable, responsive, capable of growth, mending, and handling stress—“it is also the world’s largest import-export bank, a repository of vital elements—especially calcium—on which our lives depend.” Meals, a professor of orthopedic surgery at UCLA, accessibly explains the science, from chemistry to mechanics, giving readers a thorough grounding without getting overly technical. Then he proceeds to what is clearly one of his favorite topics: bone failure, pathology, and the various treatments associated with each. After introducing the roles of the bonesetters of ancient Egypt, he looks at today’s rheumatologists, endocrinologists, rehabilitation specialists, diagnostic radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons. Many of these professionals have pioneered treatments for arthritic joint surfaces, viral infections, implants, fixators, and arthroscopy. Meals then shifts his attention to the art of viewing bones within the body—X-rays, CAT scans, bone density scans, MRIs—before moving on to the future contributions of stem cells, 3-D printing, plates and screws that dissolve, and the possibilities of countering the effects of osteoporosis: “Imagine the day when a 95-year-old tennis player falls and dents the court rather than breaking his hip.” In the second half of the book, the author digs into a host of intriguing bone-related topics, including paleoanthropology; bones in the making of trumpets, drums, and other instruments as well as tools, jewelry, turkey callers, adornments, and artwork (e.g., scrimshaw); and the use of bones in toys and games. An added bonus are the 150 illustrations scattered throughout the text.

An expansive and lively treatment of a material most of us take for granted.