Experts gather for World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases

Highly anticipated bone health event attracts close to 4,000 delegates from more than 60 countries

Investigators and clinicians from more than 60 countries will gather today in Seville, Spain for the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.

The joint congress of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) is regarded as the premier annual forum for the presentation of bone, joint and muscle related clinical research.

Chronic diseases such as osteoporosis or osteoarthritis are a major cause of disability and loss of quality of life among older adults. Worldwide, at least one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis. As a result, millions of sufferers are affected by severe pain, immobility, long term disability and loss of quality of life.

ESCEO President Professor Jean-Yves Reginster stated, "The annual IOF and ESCEO Congress is a truly global forum for the presentation of the latest research as well as a vibrant learning environment for clinicians and allied health professionals from across the globe. Over the next four days, delegates will hear about the hot topics in the field as well as exciting new clinical advances presented by a renowned international faculty in numerous topical, plenary and Meet-the-Expert sessions. More than 800 scientific abstracts were submitted for presentation at the Congress, and we consequently anticipate highly informative sessions and lively debate."

Abstracts from the Congress have been published in a supplement of the scientific journal 'Osteoporosis International'.

Professor John Kanis, Congress Co-Chair and IOF President, added, "Patients with musculoskeletal diseases are treated by a wide range of different health professionals - including endocrinologists, rheumatologists, orthopaedists, general practitioners or rehabilitation specialists. This Congress provides a single forum for all health-care professionals to learn about new research and the latest advances of direct benefit to clinical practice. It is also a unique opportunity to meet with colleagues from around the world to exchange ideas across 'borders' of specialization and culture.

Affecting over 1.7 billion people worldwide, musculoskeletal disorders are the second greatest cause of disability as measured by years lived with disability. Disability due to these disorders has increased by 45% from 1990 to 2010, with osteoarthritis the fastest increasing major health condition.

The World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases continues at the FIBES Exhibition and Congress Centre in Seville until April 5, 2014. The next IOF-ESCEO World Congress is planned in Milan, Italy from March 26-29, 2015.