IOS conference highlights latest updates

The Irish Osteoporosis Society (IOS) held its Annual Medical Conference virtually on 17 October, bringing together healthcare professionals to discuss developments in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of osteoporosis, and related bone health conditions.

The programme featured expert presentations on osteoporosis management and bisphosphonate therapy, the latest clinical guidance on powerful treatment agents denosumab and romosozumab, and the role of treatment sequencing, and anabolic therapies. Other topics addressed during the conference included DXA assessment and fracture risk beyond bone mineral density, opportunistic screening, nutrition and osteoporosis, and the relationship between sarcopaenia and bone health.

The conference also highlighted initiatives to improve access to bone health screening for people with intellectual disabilities, alongside discussions on pelvic and osteoporosis physiotherapy and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. Oral abstract presentations showcased the latest research and clinical developments in Ireland, with awards presented at the conclusion of the meeting.

Speaking to the Medical Independent, IOS President Prof Moira O’Brien pointed out that osteoporosis is the most common bone disease worldwide and is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in older people.

“It is essential to investigate the causes of bone loss, not assume them, in order for a patient to get the maximum benefit from a treatment,” she said.

Osteoporosis is known as a ‘silent disease’ because of the lack of obvious signs and symptoms, but “anyone with a low-trauma fracture has osteoporosis and should be treated”.

Prof O’Brien also stressed the importance of assessing the nutritional status, mobility, and falls risk of patients admitted to hospitals as a result of a fracture.

Prof O’Brien said that the importance of giving the ‘right’ osteoporosis treatment depends on many factors. She noted that there were “several excellent presentations” on “how the treatments work and in what order they should be prescribed” during the 2026 IOS Annual Medical Conference.

Prof O’Brien thanked all the speakers, research presenters, session chairs, and attendees for making the day such a success. She advised clinicians and patients seeking the latest information and supports on osteoporosis to visit the IOS website: www.irishosteoporosis.ie/