Osteoporosis research thrives: IOF WCO-ECCEO10

The recent World Congress on Osteoporosis (IOF WCO-ECCEO10), held in Florence on 5-8 May 2010, not only drew a record number of researchers and clinicians, it also attracted a far greater number of scientific abstracts than ever before (850). Needless to say, the organizing societies, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO), were delighted to welcome a record number of attendees (5500). The record numbers suggest that research in the field is thriving and that there is strong interest in the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and fragility fractures around the world. This is reflected in the attendance statistics, which showed that, as expected, the largest delegation of participants (73.89%) was from Europe, with comparatively large delegations from Asia (8.20%) and North America (6.35%). Researchers and clinicians from South America and the Middle East ( approximately 3% each) were also in attendance. Participants experienced an enriching scientific program featuring a broad range of topics covered in 12 plenary sessions, 19 primarily clinically oriented meet-the-expert topics in multiple sessions, and eight special sessions and symposia. A total of 12 satellite symposia enhanced the program by offering a wealth of information and practical new knowledge for clinicians.