Highlights from WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2026

Authors: Serdar Ozkok, Tugba Erdogan

Affiliations: Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Division of Geriatrics

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Being part of the World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases once again this year as a member of the Istanbul Musculoskeletal Health Consortium (IMHeal) was truly a unique and inspiring experience. Held in the fascinating atmosphere of Prague, the congress once again brought together clinicians and researchers from across the world working in musculoskeletal health and related disciplines.

We are delighted that, for many years, we had the opportunity to contribute scientifically to the congress through our non-sponsored symposia. This year, our symposium was entitled “Managing Bone Fragility in Older Adults with Diabetes: Pathophysiology, Assessment, and Therapeutic Considerations in Older Adults.” We addressed the complex relationship between diabetes and skeletal health in older adults. Our presentations focused not only on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and important considerations in diagnosis, but also on the skeletal effects of medications used both in diabetes management and osteoporosis treatment within the context of diabetes.

The Q&A session was particularly stimulating and rewarding. The contributions of our chairs, Gulistan Bahat and Dilek Gogas Yavuz, together with the comments, experiences, and perspectives shared by an interdisciplinary audience, created a highly interactive and productive discussion environment.

Importantly, at the end of the symposium, we also had the opportunity to introduce and promote PROGRAMMING CA21122. We informed the audience about the aims of the Action, its current stage and timeline, and how interested individuals may contribute to its activities and collaborative network.

In addition, as in previous years, having a booth at the IOF Committee of National Societies (CNS) Village was extremely valuable for us. The booth enabled us to welcome participants from all around the world, exchange ideas, establish new professional connections, and further disseminate information about PROGRAMMING CA21122 and IMHeal activities. Interacting with clinicians, junior and senior researchers, and professionals from different disciplines once again highlighted the importance of international collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue in advancing healthy ageing and musculoskeletal care.

Building on the momentum and valuable exchanges generated in Prague, we look forward to reconvening with colleagues from around the world at next year’s congress in Vienna.

From left to right: Serdar Ozkok, Gulistan Bahat, Dilek Gogas Yavuz, Tugba Erdogan.

Serdar Ozkok