Osteology: 100 years

As is the case for many other subspecialties of medical science, osteology has developed in tandem with technological progress over the last 100 years . The discovery of x-rays made visualization of the skeletal system possibl e. Progress in surgery and hygiene permitted examination and treatment of b ones in vivo. Optical techniques made it possible to gain insight into the microarchitecture of the bone. Chemistry and biochemistry opened the door for pathophysiology and microcel lular assessment of the bone so that modern osteology deals with interventi ons in cellular mechanisms, in particular for the treatment of bone disease s. The realization that the bone represents a dynamic tissue, characterized by processes of generation and degeneration, was decisive. These events ha v a profound influence on the treatment of osteoporosis. Questions pertaining to osteology have been subject to heightened interdisc iplinary debate in the past few years, which is reflected in interdisciplin ary associations and cooperative groups, and ultimately the umbrella Societ y of Osteology. Contemplation of the subject from an interdisciplinary view point shows what a significant and natural role orthopedics plays in resear ch on bone metabolism, but also in the treatment of bone diseases. Interdis ciplinary cooperation aids quality control and is also reflected in the for mulation of common guidelines for the clinical picture of osteoporosis, whi ch constitutes a major epidemiological disease.