The World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2026), the largest clinical congress in the musculoskeletal field, was once again a tremendous success, attracting 8425 registrants (4053 on-site and 4372 virtual attendees). 

Jointly presented by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) from April 16-19, 2026, the Congress continued to set new benchmarks, with a record 1,819 abstracts submitted for this year’s event.

The event was opened by Prof. Jean Yves Reginster (ESCEO President) and Prof. Nicholas Harvey (IOF President) and featured a gracious welcome address by Mr Patrick Zachar – the Deputy to the Czech Minister of Health Adam Vojtech. It was followed by insightful keynote lectures, including the traditional and much anticipated “Best Clinical papers of the year” by Prof. Rene Rizzoli, and notable addresses by Prof. Jotheeswaran Amuthavalli Thiyagarajan from the WHO on the WHO Bone Health Initiative. As well, there were lectures on the current global challenges in academic publishing by Dr Sarah Onuora, and insights into the genetic basis of diseases by Dr Kirsten Bos.

Over four productive days, attendees immersed themselves in a comprehensive scientific programme featuring 10 plenary lectures, more than 65 oral presentations, 13 topical symposia, 14 Meet-the-Expert sessions, and 45 Non-Sponsored Symposia covering a wide range of hot topics in the field. Ten sponsored symposia were also held. 

> View the Programme and Abstract Book

Distinguished international experts highlighted the latest advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and sarcopenia, including emerging topics such as novel care pathways for post-fracture follow-up, the impact of obesity and diabetes on bone and joint health, innovations in long-term osteoporosis management, AI in clinical practice, and the musculoskeletal effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The Congress also featured a major industry exhibition and saw many prestigious Awards presented. As well, IOF was proud to host the “CNS Village”, an exhibition showcasing the work of 15 regional and national patient and medical societies that are members of IOF's CNS Committee. 

With its comprehensive and state-of-the-art programme, the WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2026 was a landmark event, advancing knowledge and collaboration for the benefit of patients worldwide.