World's leading experts in bone, muscle and joint diseases open key congress in Milan

Musculoskeletal conditions, which affect over 1.7 billion people worldwide, will be the focus of a major four-day Congress which opens today in Milan, Italy.

The World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2015) is hosted by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO).

"This is the world's largest congress dedicated to the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and related diseases," said Jean-Yves Reginster, ESCEO President and Congress Co-Chair. "We look forward to showcasing pioneering research that will advance our body of knowledge, as well as presenting new strategies and management options to help clinicians prevent and treat these serious diseases in their patients."

According to the landmark Global Burden of Diseases Study, disability due to musculoskeletal disorders has increased by 45% from 1990 to 2010, with osteoarthritis shown to be the fastest increasing major health condition. If not effectively treated, these conditions often lead to chronic pain and disability. They also result in enormous economic costs for communities and health-care systems, not to mention the personal and social burden placed on patients and their families.

The Congress programme reflects the increasing importance of a multidisciplinary approach and world-wide collaborations in research and education in the fight against musculoskeletal diseases. In addition to new research presented in eight plenary lectures, 50 oral communications, and more than 850 abstracts, delegates can participate in 12 clinically oriented workshops and 16 topical sessions and symposia which focus on important topics that directly impact on clinical care. As well as scheduled poster sessions, there will be nine industry-sponsored satellite symposia and a large exhibition of the latest products and services in the bone field.

John A. Kanis, IOF President and Congress Co-Chair stated, "We would like to thank the Scientific Committee Chairs, Professors Cyrus Cooper and René Rizzoli, for organizing a first-rate scientific programme, which brings together the world's best in the bone field, and takes advantage of the synergies and combined expertise of IOF and ESCEO."

Provided by International Osteoporosis Foundation