Section 2 - F | Musculoskeletal Oncology

Degenerative and inflammatory joint disorders, osteoporosis and fragility fractures, musculoskeletal infections and tumours, injuries and many other related problems are affecting our population significantly. The main goal of EFORT is, to promote the exchange of scientific knowledge and experience in the field of prevention and both the conservative and surgical treatment of these disorders. To implement this goal, it is necessary not only to assess the current position and identify relevant gaps, but also to develop a perspective of musculoskeletal health challenges that lie ahead of us. Therefore, our Board has decided to introduce this White Book as a comprehensive reference on current conditions and future needs, which can be used to facilitate decision making in our scientific societies as well as in European health politics. We also intend this initiative to contribute to the United Nations “Decade of Healthy Ageing“ (2021-2030). This first edition shall summarize the best available data to quantify the burden of musculoskeletal disorders, as well as the currently available infrastructure for its management. In addition, we asked the contributors to provide an overview on musculoskeletal education and the landscape of orthopaedic and trauma research. To master future challenges it is not only necessary to devote appropriate resources during daily clinical care, but also to ensure sufficient training of future health care providers and to select the most effective therapeutic strategies.