Paris hosts the world's largest event dedicated to musculoskeletal disease prevention

Today, medical experts and researchers from around the world will gather at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, France, for the opening of the world's leading clinical Congress dedicated to musculoskeletal health and disease prevention.

Professor Jean-Yves Reginster, Congress Co-chair and President of the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Disease (ESCEO), stated:

"Diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and sarcopenia result in severe disability, loss of mobility and costly physical dependence in the ageing population. It is vitally important that physicians who treat patients with these diseases are aware of the latest research and clinical progress to better fight these debilitating disorders. This Congress, which includes lectures and sessions led by the world's leading experts, is the premier venue to share new research and learn about advances in patient care."

The Congress will feature more than 1400 scientific abstracts, 57 oral communications of outstanding abstracts, 10 Plenary Sessions, 19 Non-sponsored Symposia, 14 Meet-the-Expert Sessions, 15 special sessions and symposia and 8 industry-sponsored symposia. The comprehensive programme has been developed by the respective Scientific Chairs of IOF and ESCEO, Professors Cyrus Cooper and René Rizzoli, who have brought together the world's best in the field of musculoskeletal health and disease, while taking advantage of the synergies and combined expertise of the two organisations.

Participants at the Congress also include representatives of NGOs which work directly with patients at the local level. At a special 'CNS Day', hosted by IOF for its Committee of National Societies (CNS), representatives of 52 patient societies from all regions of the world will participate in a full-day programme of interactive, capacity-building sessions and workshops. Sessions will provide important insights on digital communications; strategies to improve global calcium intake; how to engage policy makers; and how to empower patients to take charge of their bone health.

Professor John A. Kanis, Congress Co-Chair and IOF Honorary President, summarized the important mission of the Congress:

"We are all meeting in Paris with a common aim—to gather new knowledge, skills and tools in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, the two most disabling conditions in elderly people. An important addition is a focus on sarcopenia because of its intimate relation to bone and joint disease. As well, delegates representing patient societies will be able to gain important insights that will help them advocate for improved patient care at the national level.

Overall, it is our hope that this Congress will move the field one step forward on all fronts; from new understanding of bone metabolism and pathology, to new strategies and options in prevention, diagnosis and treatment."

WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2019 has been granted 20 European CME credits by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME). EACCME credits can be converted to AMA credits.

Complete meeting information is available at http://www.wco-iof-esceo.org/

Provided by International Osteoporosis Foundation