This book comprehensively describes bone metabolism and diverse bone metabolic disorders from an endocrine medicine perspective. Moreover, it addresses not only common bone diseases, but also more recent discoveries concerning rare skeletal disorders. Recognizing endocrinologists' growing interest in the field of bone metabolism, it provides expert guidance and represents an innovative and unique compendium. The book is intended as a major reference source for endocrinologists, basic and clinical scientists alike. It is published as part of the SpringerReference program, which offers access to "living" editions constantly updated through a dynamic peer-review publishing process.