Continued Education is the Key

AZ 6002 Luzern / Fr. 2.50, 1 2.– / Nr. 95
N E U E
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Special
n
Congress Editio
LUZERNER ZEITUNG
Z E N T R A L S C H W E I Z E R
Osteology Foundation
wishes you an interesting congress day
www.osteology.org
T A G E S Z E I T U N G
This newspaper is sponsored by
WEATHER: Along the
mountains, occasional
rain is still possible.
The Congress Opens
EDITORIAL
Continued Education is the Key
Biotechnology in
Daily Practice?
At yesterday's opening of the
Congress, Scientific Chairman Professor Daniel Buser
emphasized how important
continued education and
training are for the dentist’s
practical work.
W
hy have you come to
Lucerne? In the end,
the reason has been
to help you improve or
increase your daily treatment options. You wish to offer your patients reliable treatment methods,
attractive and functional implant
results with a minimum of pain
and discomfort.
In his welcoming address, Professor
Buser emphasized that, «continued training is the key to achieving highly
qualified work as a practicing dentist».
And dentists are evidently willing to
continue their training and education at
the highest level. More than 2000 people
from 51 countries are attending the
congress. Professor Buser was quite
pleased with the avid interest in Osteology. He feels that the large draw is both a
success for the Foundation and also
evidence of the high level of the scientific program and the speakers.
Regenerative implantology has already made great progress. In many
situations the need for autogenous
bone grafts can be reduced or even
eliminated. Bone substitutes and resorbable membranes have made the
implantologist’s – and the patient’s –
life easier and more comfortable.
The surgical hard and soft tissue
management has been refined to
optimize esthetics.
In the future, we will be able to
build up missing soft and hard tissue using biotechnology and tissue
engineering. The cornerstones are
growth factors, cells and matrix
technology. Biomaterials function
as matrix structures and will play a
decisive role in the next ten years.
They influence adherence, activaBertrand Piccard (left) in dialogue with the President of the Osteology Foundation, Christoph Hämmerle.
PICTURES: SIGI TISCHLER
tion and differentiation of cells.
Growth factors will probably acceFamous balloon explorer Bertrand speak to the wind – psychology of record-setting balloon adventure. Pic- daily life. He feels that, «even in everyday lerate tissue formation and maturaPiccard, the guest speaker, received re- communication». He illustrated his lec- card drew parallels between experiences life, sometimes you just have to throw tion. And, in very complex situations, cell technology will be used.
sounding applause for his talk «How to ture with impressive pictures from his as a balloonist and communication in ballast overboard.»
Cells are best in secreting the right
proteins at the right time, right
place and in the right amount. We
Pre-congress
Congress
just have to make them do it.
Professor Christoph Hämmerle, President of the Osteology Foundation,
shortly outlined the Foundation’s goal of
primarily supporting research projects
in the field of bone and tissue regeneration. Professor Hämmerle was likewise most pleased that the Foundation
is off to such a good start. He thanked
the initiator, Dr. Peter Geistlich, for his
generous engagement in the promotion
of education and research.
Avid Interest in Advanced
Techniques for Bone Augmentation
The pre-congress workshops
on bone regeneration were
very popular.
The two workshops on advanced
techniques for bone augmentation were
fully booked out. In his lively presentation, Daniel Buser demonstrated surgical procedures using various cases and
videos, plus provided valuable practical
tips. Due to the large demand, Massimo
Simion and Carlo Maiorana had to carry
out their hands-on workshop twice.
After the lectures showing study results
and cases, dentists could practice vertical block transplant techniques and chin
and ramus grafting on pork mandibles.
Page 2
Z TOPNEWS
SMS senden an 141
TODAY’S TOPICS
Neukam / Nevins: Is tissue
engineering clinically applicable?
(morning)
Lang / Sculean: Soft tissue
management in esthetic areas.
(noon)
Buser / Raghoebar: Management of complex bone defects.
(afternoon)
Extraction Sockets
– A Main Topic
As far as esthetic sites go, the facial
bone plate is a key structure. Its preservation in fresh extraction sockets was
intensively discussed during the first
congress day. Likewise an important
subject was the ideal time point for
implant placement after extraction. In a
series of high level scientific presentations, the lecturers showed new study
results as well as clinically relevant
aspects in treating sockets at extraction
sites. New techniques to manage deficiencies of soft tissue and to support its
healing by using collagen scaffolds or
tissue engineering were also presented.
The goal of the new concepts presented on Friday was, when compared to
current treatments, to shorten the overall treatment time and to facilitate the
surgical procedure with improved longterm predictability.
We believe in the technical feasibility of these new therapies. What
we still must work on is the proof
of the clinical benefit in relation to
costs. The factors and cells must
measure up to our current techniques – in efficacy, handling and
practicality in daily practice. And
the present standard techniques
are already quite good.
Serious research makes only small
steps, but these bring sustained
yields. This is why your patients are
still waiting for cultivated cells or
growth factors to rebuild tissue deficiencies – but we’re working on it,
as a company and with the Osteology Foundation.
DR. MICHAEL PEETZ,
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
G E I S T L I C H B I O M AT E R I A L S
Page 2
Full concentration at the workshops.
SPECIAL
CONTENTS
Swinging Night Party
Osteology Congress 1-4 TV/Radio
60
An unforgettable evening after intensive
congress days. Last night, Sibylle Briner,
the classical pianist originally from Lucerne, captivated the audience.
The fun continued with the «Swinging
Night Party» that followed at the Art Deco
Hotel Montana. This event was just as
impressive, even when a bit livelier, with
musical and culinary delicacies, entertainment and dancing . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Markt
13 Agenda
62
Wirtschaft
14 Unterwegs
64
Börse
16
Zentralschweiz
32 Inseraterubriken
Sport
33 Immobilienmarkt
Bund 5
45 Treffpunkt
38
Kultur
46 Todesanzeigen
42
Wetter/Ratgeber
52 Stellenmarkt
47
Dossier
53 Gewusst wo
49
Page 3: Swinging Night Party
HEAD
8
OF THE
DAY
Bio-Gide®
Bio-Oss®
Christoph
Hämmerle
Professor Christoph
Hämmerle seeks to
further promote research projects in
the area of bone
and tissue regeneration with biological materials.
Page 4
the natural choice
Manufacturer
Geistlich Pharma AG
Division Biomaterials
Bahnhofstrasse 40
CH - 6110 Wolhusen
www.geistlich.com
Redaktion: 041 429 51 51, Fax 041 429 51 81, Internet: www.zisch.ch, E-Mail: redaktion@neue-lz.ch, Inserate: 041 227 56 56, Fax 041 227 56 57, Abonnemente: 041 429 53 53, Fax 041 429 53 83
2 OSTEOLOGY CONGRESS
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Saturday, April 24, 2004 / Nr. 95
An Unforgettable «Swinging Night Party» at the Hotel Montana
What an atmosphere could be felt last night at the Art Deco Hotel Montana! The hotel’s grand rooms and the
view over the Lake of Lucerne are legendary and breathtaking. However, the guests at yesterday’s «Osteology
Swinging Night Party» were likewise special. They were carried away by the enthralling ambience, diverse
entertainment program and the swinging music.
The jazz band, «The Montana Swinging Formation», formed the center of the entertainment with their lead singer,
Natalie Claude. She made sure the dance evening was an unforgettable event for all and electrified the
atmosphere with her broad repertoire – from the Charleston and the Lindy Hop all the way to traditional and
I am greatly interested in implantology and periodontology in
general. In addition to the opportunity for personal continued
education, a congress always
provides a good platform for an
exciting exchange of ideas with
colleagues.
MICHAEL SCHWAGROWSKI,
ESSEN (GERMANY)
So far, my expectations have
been completely fulfilled. Friday’s lectures were of a high
level. But even in addition to
that, the entire infrastructure
impresses me. I have never before attended a congress where
the conditions have been so
good. And this is all the more
remarkable because the congress is very well attended with
more than 2000 participants.
KIRSTEN MOLSTED,
COPENHAGEN (DENMARK)
What I find particularly useful
is, for example, the workshops presented by Professor
Buser. These are very practiceoriented. One really benefits
the most from the excellent
tips that can be used in daily
work.
ANGELIKA EHLICH-BEUTTER,
FELDKIRCH (AUSTRIA)
modern jazz. And the «Tickle Toe Hep Cats» dance group brought the 1940s back to life with their show numbers
and, in so doing, provided a welcome rest to some hearty pairs of dancers. As always an unforgettable event for
the foreign guests was the appearance of the alp horn players.
For those who preferred quieter moments, conversation abounded in the famous Whiskey Bar and at the Louis
Bar with accompanying piano music. The Montana crew provided the necessary «energy» throughout the
evening – they were always present offering new culinary delicacies. We’re not sure when the last guests left the
party, but it will certainly remain an unforgettable memory for all.
Up to now, I have been quite
pleased with the way the congress has progressed. The congress offers an excellent opportunity to update one’s own
knowledge. One learns all the
news and sees what is happening at the «front.»
At congresses, I get many inspirations for my work in the practice. I profit the most from the
practical workshops. As a rule,
the lectures tend to be a bit too
remote, too scientific for me.
They are not geared enough toward the practitioner’s needs.
The level of both the lectures as
well as of the workshops is very
good. Also quite encouraging is
the good atmosphere, here at
the congress and in the city of
Lucerne. My wife and I feel
right at home here, and we’re
enjoying our stay.
HEINZ HOELZL,
M E R A N ( I T A LY )
SRIMAN HADINNAPOLA,
N O RW I C H ( G R E AT B R I TA I N )
PROFESSOR DAN LUNDGREN,
UNIVERSITY OF GÖTEBORG (SWEDEN)
Among dentists, there is an increasing trend for specialization.
I find that correct. No dentist
can offer the entire spectrum of
specialty treatments. A congress
such as «Osteology» offers the
opportunity to receive education
and training in a targeted specialty area. The congress gives me
the chance to learn new tips and
extraordinary talent of the pianist who has won many musical tricks for the practice. This is
prizes in her career. Sibylle Briner interpreted works by Gershwin, very helpful.
Sibylle Briner Shines at the KKL
Last night the Lucerne pianist, Sibylle Briner, enchanted guests at
the Culture and Congress Center (KKL) with her delightful tones.
The concert was a special experience for the international public:
the unique acoustics of Lucerne’s KKL in combination with the
Rachmaninov and Bach, with the highest of skill, and for which
she received resounding applause.
V IVIANNE CHAPPUIS,
UNIVERSITY OF BERN (SWITZERLAND)
Saturday, April 24, 2004 / Nr. 95 Neue Luzerner Zeitung Neue Urner Zeitung Neue Schwyzer Zeitung Neue Obwaldner Zeitung Neue Nidwaldner Zeitung Neue Zuger Zeitung
OSTEOLOGY CONGRESS 3
The first congress day
Extraction Sockets and
Soft Tissue dominated
One of the important conclusions from yesterday’s lectures was that the maintenance of the facial bone
wall after tooth extraction is
a key for successful esthetics.
the bone availability, the shorter the
overall treatment time, but the more
difficult the soft tissue management
may become. Christoph Hämmerle presented a new classification for implantation timing. Whenever possible at esthetic sites, both Hämmerle and Daniel
Buser prefer a procedure with implant
insertion four to six weeks post-extraction. «Immediate implantation in esthetic sites is unpredictable on a long-term
basis», explained Buser.
BIRGIT WENZ
Tooth extraction can end up being an
esthetic disaster if both the buccal bone
plate and the gingiva are thin, concluded Jan Lindhe in his clear and excellent presentation. Substantial resorption of the buccal bone plate often take
place in the months following tooth
extraction. “These dimensional alterations in the bone profile probably occur
because of the reduced biological demand on bone function.” Jan Lindhe is
currently testing whether implant insertion or placement of Bio-Oss Collagen into the fresh extraction socket can
prevent this resorption.
Soft tissue reconstruction
Stefan Schultze-Mosgau presented
new ways to reconstruct missing periimplant gingiva in esthetic areas. The
application of two experimental collagen scaffolds onto open soft tissue
defects resulted in the formation of new
gingiva that was as thick as that achieved with gingival transplants. In a
subsequent experiment, human keratinocytes were cultured on these scaffolds to prefabricate soft tissue. Using
clinical cases, Schultze-Mosgau demonstrated that this new method of
tissue engineering can indeed be used
to reconstruct the gingiva. When he
mimicked loading during the cell culturing by subjecting the cells to mechanical stress, he could even further improve the results of the in vitro tissue
formation.
«Collagen membranes can promote
soft tissue regeneration. They can initiate the healing process and serve as a
Professor Myron Nevins at his lecture,
«Ridge preservation after tooth
extraction for placement of dental
implants».
matrix for the in-growth of blood vessels and keratinocytes», related Jürgen
Becker. He has tested various collagen
membranes with respect to the in vitro
response of cells and the tissue reaction
after implantation. In comparison to
untreated collagen materials, those
membranes that were chemically stabilized to prolong resorption time showed
reduced cell adhesion and tissue
integration. Becker believes that this
may be the reason for the frequent, late
membrane exposures seen with some
of these long-lasting collagen membranes.
Implantation Timing
The earlier an implant insertion takes
place after tooth extraction, the better
Ridge Preservation
Myron Nevins discussed different
strategies for preserving the ridge after
extraction of frontal teeth with thin
buccal bone walls. Four months after
extraction, about half of these patients
do not have enough bone left for implant insertion. Either bone morphogenetic protein 2 or «Bio-Oss» could prevent this facial bone loss. However, even
with today’s techniques, the occurrence
and the extent of bone loss cannot be
predicted. «With new results arising
from studies, we will have new options
for treating fresh extraction sockets.»
Important aspects of soft tissue in
extraction sites were highlighted by Wilfried Wagner. «Preservation of the ridge
and guided soft tissue regeneration will
be important issues in our future treatment concepts», stated Wagner.
Peri-implantitis
«Tissue loss due to peri-implantitis
may continue to progress, even after the
bacterial infection has been eliminated»,
explained Tord Berglundh. He found
that the extent of bone resorption is
more pronounced around implants with
rough surfaces compared to turned
surfaces. However, Klaus Lang reported
that the re-osseointegration of rough
implant surfaces is more pronounced
than that of turned surfaces.
Karl-Ludwig Ackermann rounded off
the first congress day by presenting his
extensive clinical experience with bone
augmentation procedures.
Many useful tips and tricks for daily practice. Workshop participants concentrate on
the porcine mandible.
Workshops
Contouring Results in
Optimal Crest Volume
The workshops of Buser and
Maiorana together with Simion highlighted the practical aspects of advanced bone
augmentation procedures.
Daniel Buser favors early implant
placement and simultaneous bone
regeneration. He performs tooth extractions 6 to 8 weeks before implant
insertion. At the time of implantation,
the bone defect is filled with autogenous
bone chips. The slowly resorbing bone
substitute, Bio-Oss, is used to contour
the crest since it maintains the augmented volume. Buser uses a collagen membrane (Bio-Gide) to cover the defect. The
reopening takes place 6 to 12 weeks
later. «With this procedure, we have less
difficulties in implant bed preparation
and a reduced risk of facial bone resorption», said Buser. With his cases, he
demonstrated that soft tissue reaching
sufficient height and convexity can be
achieved, as can optimal emergence
profiles. However, for complex situations, he prefers a staged approach using
block grafts contoured with Bio-Oss and
a non-resorbable membrane. «We want
to simplify this demanding procedure by
using the collagen membranes here as
well, and are currently testing them in a
clinical study.»
Dentists could practice advanced surgical techniques for bone augmentation
in the workshop of Massimo Simion and
Carlo Maiorana. The speakers demonstrated how to use autogenous bone
blocks, how to contour the ridge morphology with Bio-Oss and how to optimize soft tissue management.
A Warm Welcome
at the Rosengart Museum
«I warmly welcome you to my
home!» With these gracious words, the
patroness and art collector, Angela
Rosengart, received speakers and
guests of the Osteology Congress on
Thursday evening at the Rosengart
Museum in Lucerne. The collection of
Angela Rosengart is unique and of
inestimable value. Two years ago, she
opened her art treasures to the public.
The guests of «Osteology» could
appreciate the great honor of being
personally received by the hostess.
During the museum tour, they could
admire the exquisite paintings. The
Rosengart Museum boasts works by
Picasso, Cezanne, Klee, Monet,
Kandinsky and Miro, in addition to
many others. Angela Rosengart was a
personal friend of Picasso. «I felt Picasso’s eyes burning into me,» was how
Angela Rosengart described the feeling
she had when Picasso was drawing her
portrait. Her father, a famous art
dealer and friend of Picasso’s, was a
frequent visitor to the studios of Matisse, Chagall, Braque and Picasso. He
also knew and was a friend to many
painters of the classical modernist
period.
Today, the Rosengart Museum enjoys an international reputation. It
belongs to the absolute highlights of
Lucerne. A visit to the museum can be
highly recommended to all participants.
Mayor Urs W. Studer proudly presents the «Rathaus».
Reception at the city hall of Lucerne
Lucerne is the Home of «Osteology»
Two years ago, the art collector and patroness, Angela Rosengart, opened up
her collection to the public. She personally led the guests of Osteology through
her museum.
In honor of the opening of the Symposium, representatives of the Osteology
Foundation as well as speakers and
invited guests of the congress were
received in the «Rathaus» (city hall) and
warmly welcomed to Lucerne by the
mayor, Urs W. Studer. Michael Peetz,
Managing Director of Geistlich Biomaterials, thanked him for his warm hospita-
lity. He emphasized that, «Lucerne is not
only the home of Geistlich Biomaterials,
but also of the Osteology Foundation. It
was therefore important for us to bring
this congress to Lucerne.»
The President of the Foundation, Professor Christoph Hämmerle, expressed
his confidence that the congress would
be a resounding success. In his short
address at the reception, Professor Hämmerle explicitly recognized the efforts of
Dr. Peter Geistlich in connection with
the establishment of the Foundation.
«The Foundation seeks to, and will,
continue to develop this enthusiasm
even further. The Foundation shall become a platform for the exchange of all
forms of ideas and scientific erudition.»
4 OSTEOLOGY CONGRESS
Neue Luzerner Zeitung Neue Urner Zeitung Neue Schwyzer Zeitung Neue Obwaldner Zeitung Neue Nidwaldner Zeitung Neue Zuger Zeitung
Congress
Osteology Symposium Sold Out
Regeneration of bone and
tissue is gaining increasing
interest in implant dentistry
and periodontology.
Prof. Daniel Buser, University
Berne and Scientific Chairman of the Symposium,
explains why.
surgical techniques and the right
products. These questions need to be
discussed at conferences such as this in
Lucerne.
What are the main, unresolved questions
in bone regeneration discussed here in
Lucerne?
Prof. Buser: The implant surgeon can
predictably achieve satisfying, functional results in horizontal bone defects
with bone grafts and bone substitutes
combined with barrier membranes. We
still have limitations in treatment outcomes in more complex, vertical bone
defects. We are aiming at simplifying the
surgical procedures, making them more
user-friendly and less demanding for the
patients.
INTERVIEW BY BIRGIT WENZ
Prof. Buser, how many people are attending this congress?
Prof. Buser: We have over 2000 registered participants from 51 countries. We
have reached the maximum capacity of
this congress center. We have twice as
many participants as at the last Osteology Symposium in Barcelona, where 1000
attended.
Did you expect so many participants?
Prof. Buser: It became clear in February, since the congress was already sold
out at that time, and we had to organize
a video transmission. But when we were
planning the congress, we anticipated
about 1200 people. The number of 2000
completely exceeds our expectations.
What are the reasons for the large interest
in this symposium?
Prof. Buser: The main reason is that
regeneration currently is a major item of
interest. The Osteology Symposium is
the only large, international congress
focusing on this subject. And the Symposium is known for its high level
Professor Daniel Buser (rigth) together with the initiants of the Osteology
Foundation, Dr. Peter Geistlich, and Dr. Michael Peetz, Managing Director, Geistlich
Biomaterials.
programs and beautiful congress locations. The fact that the independent and
scientific Osteology Foundation has organized the congress for the first time
makes it even more interesting.
ce. Furthermore the number of implant
placements is constantly increasing.
Simultaneously, the number of cases
needing regenerative procedures is increasing, too.
But regeneration has been known for more
than a decade now.
Prof. Buser: This is true from a scientific point of view. Regenerative procedures using barrier membranes have
been developed in the mid-eighties for
periodontology and shortly afterwards
for implant patients. But only since the
past few years can regeneration be
called a standard method in daily practi-
What are today’s problems and questions
in regenerative procedures?
Prof. Buser: Today, more and more
patients want an optimal result in red
and white aesthetics. To achieve an ideal
and long-lasting soft tissue appearance,
sufficient bone volume in crest width
and height is required. This volume is
often lacking and needs to be regenerated or augmented with appropriate
Do participants find these answers here in
Lucerne?
Prof. Buser: Osteology in Lucerne
brings us one step forward. During these
three days, the clinicians see new aspects and techniques in extraction socket treatment and aesthetically oriented
surgery, which they can apply in their
daily work. We will take a look into the
near future to see the potential of tissue
engineering and growth factors.
Why will people come to future Osteology
Congresses?
Prof. Buser: The high standard of the
scientific program and the balance between practically relevant questions and
application oriented research will be
highly attractive also in the future. The
Foundation will soon set the next date
and location.
Saturday, April 24, 2004 / Nr. 95
TE Used for
Cartilage Defects
Tissue Engineering is discussed as
a future new treatment method in
dentistry. Cell therapy is already
being used clinically for treating cartilage defects.
One of the first established applications of Tissue Engineering (TE) is
«autologous chondrocyte transplantation» for cartilage defects in the
knee. Among the few companies
offering this treatment is Geistlich
Biomaterials, Wolhusen, in alliance
with a German cell culturing company. Cartilage cells are harvested
and cultivated for six weeks, then
implanted into the defect and covered by a collagen membrane
(Chondro-Gide, Geistlich).
The efficacy of this application has
been demonstrated in long-term clinical studies spanning more than 10
years. Since the results of this treatment are superior to conventional
therapies, health insurance companies in several countries will soon
reimburse costs. However, the high
rates of about 5,000 – 6,000 Euros
will limit its broad use. These costs
arise mainly from the complexity of
human cell culturing, the strict quality control regulations as well as the
demanding logistics.
For dental applications TE has to
prove its superiority to standard
therapies – in efficacy, speed or
burden on the patient. Such advantages have to be related to costs.
However, the more cell transplantations are performed, the less a single
treatment might become.
B . W.
Foundation
Advertisement
Osteology Foundation Supports
Projects on Tissue Regeneration
®
Bio-Gide
®
Bio-Oss
The newly-founded
Osteology Foundation
supports research projects
in the field of bone and
tissue regeneration. Prof.
Christoph Hämmerle,
University of Zurich,
President of the Foundation,
explains its function.
Why does the Foundation focus on biological materials?
Prof. Hämmerle: Within the past ten
years, it has been shown that natural
products possess a good capacity for
bone and soft tissue regeneration. They
have also been found to be suitable
carriers for growth factors and cells in
Natural products
posses a good capacity
for bone and soft tissue
regeneration.
INTERVIEW BY BIRGIT WENZ
the leading system
1
2
1, 2
European Dental Bone Substitutes and Membranes, Klaricon 2003
European Markets for Dental Bone Graft Subitutes, Millennium Research Group, 2002
Manufacturer
Geistlich Pharma AG
Division Biomaterials
Bahnhofstrasse 40
CH - 6110 Wolhusen
www.geistlich.com
Professor Hämmerle, how would you characterize the Osteology Foundation?
Prof. Hämmerle: The Osteology Foundation will specifically promote applied
research. While basic research is relevant
to understanding biological mechanisms, applied research aims to develop
new treatment options. This is usually
achieved with new products and improved clinical procedures. Universities
test new methods and define treatment
standards. Industry has the technology
and experience for product development. Osteology will support the collaboration between universities and the
industry, with an exclusive focus on
regeneration.
PROFESSOR
CHRISTOPH HÄMMERLE
the field of tissue engineering. We believe they will play a relevant role in
future therapeutic concepts.
Professor Christoph Hämmerle,
President of the Osteology Foundation.
decides on the topics of discussion.
There are two committees, Science and
Education. The Committee Science is
responsible for supporting research projects. The Committee Education organizes international and national Osteology
Symposia. The administrative office of
Osteology is in Lucerne and provides
information throughout the year.
How will Osteology support this collaboration?
Prof. Hämmerle: On one hand, with
financial support of research projects in
What type of projects will be funded?
applied
research,
Prof. Hämmerle:
and on the other,
Osteology will supwith
continued
port scientific studeducation about new
The Osteology
ies in the field of
treatment methods.
regeneration with
Foundation creates a platThis will primarily
biological materials.
take place at nationform for research and
The studies must
al and international
innovation.
pertain to new and
osteology congresPROFESSOR
clinically relevant
ses. Both the studies
CHRISTOPH HÄMMERLE
questions of interand
continued
est, both for univereducation will accelsities and industry.
erate developments
and shorten the time required to bring Results should be published in international,
peer-reviewed
scientific
new techniques into clinical practice.
journals. Once every year, in autumn,
the members of the Scientific CommitHow is the Foundation organized?
Prof. Hämmerle: The Foundation tee evaluate grant applications.
The best projects will be funded. The
Board is governed by a board of eleven
members. The Executive Management details on application and the evaluatiCommitte as part of the Board, organ- on process can be found under
izes the yearly board meetings and www.osteology.org.
How does Osteology benefit science?
Prof. Hämmerle: In the foundation the
members of the board will discuss
questions in regenerative applied research with the industry. This will exert
an important influence on the new
development of projects. During the first
board meeting held in January 2004,
new research fields and treatment concepts for bone and tissue regeneration
were discussed. This meeting triggered
new ideas and important thought-provoking impulses.
What will be the main topics of interest for
the Foundation in the near future?
Prof. Hämmerle: New treatment concepts with growth factors or cells will
continue to play an important role in
the discussions of the Foundation
Board. Various research groups have
already reported on promising results
with these techniques. But there are
still open questions regarding the benefit for clinical practice, especially
when the overall effort and costs are
considered. Relevant advantages of
these new techniques may be the
reduction of the total treatment time
and decreasing the burden for the
patient by allowing to replace autogenous bone transplants in complex defects. Applied research has to define
the indications and work out the surgical procedures.