Introduction

Dear Colleagues,

You are invited to the World Congress of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) from December 7-10, 2006 in Prague , Czech Republic . The annual OARSI Congress is a global forum for basic scientists, clinical investigators, clinicians, radiologists, orthopedists, rheumatologists, industry scientists, policy makers and others interested in osteoarthritis research and treatment.

Based on the success of at last year's Congress in Boston , OARSI will again offer concurrent oral sessions with keynote talks related to the topics of presented abstracts. These sessions will address both clinical and basic science topics that appeal to a range of participants working in the field of osteoarthritis. We will also continue with the very popular Breakfast Workshops on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings, which will allow a limited number of attendees to meet experts in specific areas of basic or clinical science.

The program committee has put together an excellent group of internationally recognized speakers for this OARSI Congress. The meeting opens in the afternoon of Thursday, December 7 with a session that highlights current OARSI initiatives on treatment guidelines and osteoarthritis histopathology. The opening ceremony will feature presentation of OARSI awards and a keynote lecture from Dr. Bjorn Olson.

The scientific sessions address basic research topics such as regulation gene expression, cytokines, metalloproteinases and biomechanics and clinical topics including joint replacement, clinical trial design, cartilage repair, pain mechanisms in osteoarthritis and intervertebral disc degeneration.

The Congress program will provide you with an update in recent developments the key areas of Osteoarthritis. With its unique focus on Osteoarthritis the Congress will give you the opportunity to become part of the global network of individuals from the broad spectrum of disciplines that work towards better understanding and treatment of Osteoarthritis. We welcome you whether you are a returning member or joining us for the first time and extend a special invitation to our international attendees. Join us in Prague for superb science, warm collegiality and an all around rewarding experience during this special time of year.