The requirement for new bone to replace or restore the function of traumatised, damaged, or lost bone is a major clinical and socioeconomic need. Bone formation strategies, although attractive, have yet to yield functional and mechanically competent bone. Bone tissue engineering has been heralded as the alternative strategy to regenerate bone. In essence, the discipline aims to combine progenitor or mature cells with biocompatible materials or scaffolds, with or without appropriate growth factors, to initiate repair and regeneration. This brief review outlines the concepts, challenges, and limitations in bone tissue engineering and the potential that could improve the quality of life for many as a result of interdisciplinary collaboration. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).