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Dear Colleague,
Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis have emerged as the most disabling diseases during the last 20 years. The costs caused by osteoporotic fractures of spine, hip and forearm; and the financial burden related to osteoarthritis are considered as a major determinant of the healthcare budget.
There have been developments in the pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. But one cannot say that the orthopedists have sufficent interest on this issue.
On the other hand, the patients are referred to the orthopedists for the treatment of fractures caused by osteoporosis; most of our colleagues treats the fractures only, and they neglect osteoporosis. Whereas, the probability of another fracture in these patients is very high.
Bone and Joint Decade is dedicated to improve the quality of life for people with musculoskeletal disorders worldwide. World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) aimed to raise the orthopedists' awareness and interest on this issue.
I believe that the 2nd Congress of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis organized by Turkish Joint Diseases Foundation under the auspices of WHO Collaborating Center, Liege, IOF and TOTBID will have important contributions to reach these goals in the name of patients, physicians and our country.
I look forward to meeting you in 2004.
O. Sahap Atik
Congress President
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