The Philippine Orthopaedic Association (POA) recently celebrated its 75th Annual Congress, held last 13 to 16 November 2024 at the Edsa Shangri-La Manila.

Themed “Cutting Diamond: Looking Back and Moving Forward,” the event highlighted the organization’s rich history and the latest developments in orthopedic care.

One of the key discussions during the congress was the anticipated introduction of a new osteoporosis treatment in the Philippines.

Dr. Ronald Tangente, president of the Philippine Spine Society, presented the potential of this treatment to stimulate bone formation and reduce bone destruction, offering hope for patients at high risk of fractures.

“This could be a game-changer for improving the quality of life of our elderly patients,” Tangente said.

Dr. Michael Muñoz, a POA Board of Trustee member, stressed the importance of addressing fragility fractures and cited the shift in focus from treating the fracture itself to addressing the underlying osteoporosis.

“Our focus is shifting towards treating fragility fractures, not just the fracture itself,” Muñoz explained.

The POA aims to expand and strengthen the fragility fracture network nationwide, with dedicated liaison officers in hospitals to monitor patient progress and treatment outcomes.

As the POA continues to evolve, its commitment to research, innovation, and patient care ensures a brighter future for orthopedic medicine in the Philippines.