Osteology: 100 Years [Osteologie: 100 Jahre]

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 possible. Progress in surgery and hygiene permitted examination and treatment of bones 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 microcellular assessment of the bone so that modern osteology deals with interventions in cellular mechanisms, in particular for the treatment of bone diseases. The realization that the bone represents a dynamic tissue, characterized by processes of generation and degeneration, was decisive. These events have a profound influence on the treatment of osteoporosis. Questions pertaining to osteology have been subject to heightened interdisciplinary debate in the past few years, which is reflected in interdisciplinary associations and cooperative groups, and ultimately the umbrella Society of Osteology. Contemplation of the subject from an interdisciplinary viewpoint shows what a significant and natural role orthopedics plays in research on bone metabolism, but also in the treatment of bone diseases. Interdisciplinary cooperation aids quality control and is also reflected in the formulation of common guidelines for the clinical picture of osteoporosis, which constitutes a major epidemiological disease.