Bone has a remarkable propensity to heal and yet complications still can arise. When establishing methods to repair or replace bone, it is worth to consider the fracture healing process as a whole, including aspects such as angiogenesis, neurogenesis and soft tissue. The role of mechanics is well established when considering fracture repair, therefore a greater understanding of biomechanics and how this influences repair at the molecular, cellular and tissue level will aid researchers to formulate new therapies. As technologies improve the use of Omics can provide a greater understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and these tools are increasingly being adopted.

This conference aims to address these topics while exploring issues such as cell-mediated repair, drug and gene delivery as well as emerging clinical approaches. The outcome should be an increased understanding of the topic and an emphasis on the need to improve the interaction between scientists and clinicians.

eCM meetings always aim to be the place where scientists and clinicians meet and exchange the challenges they face. Translation to the clinics will always rely on active interaction between the practitioners that treat patients, and preclinical scientists who can develop proof-of-concept. To increase individual interactions in a less formal format, the afternoons are free for excursions into the mountains or networking opportunities.

This international forum continues the eCM congress series held in Davos. The limited number of participants (150) ensures that clinicians, biologists, engineers, and material scientists will have ample opportunities for knowledge sharing in basic, translational, and clinical research, in addition to highlighting developments in the field of bone tissue repair and regeneration. The single session format of the conference allows in-depth multidisciplinary discussions about how to advance this research area.

Local Conference Organisers

Prof. Martin Stoddart
Scientific Editor eCM Journal
Program Leader, Regenerative Orthopaedics, AO Research Institute, Davos, CH

Dr Sophie Verrier
International Editorial Board eCM Journal
Principal Scientist, AO Research Institute, Davos, CH

Dr Esther Wehrle
Focus Area Leader Bone Biology, AO Research Institute, Davos, CH

Presentation and Poster Abstracts