As we embark upon 2024 together, I wanted to start the year by expressing extreme gratitude for the engagement and dedication of the membership. In the President’s Address, Dr. Hodler outlines some of the accomplishments of 2023 and initiatives for 2024. These are projects that have been thoughtfully considered and crafted as a result of feedback from the membership. They are impactful and will certainly serve to augment the bonds that will sustain and strengthen our Society. This edition of Bare Bones will take a look back to our 2023 meeting, summarizing the high points and recognizing ISS award recipients. It will profile our working groups, serving to recognize their efforts as well as to provide an introduction for service opportunities within the Society. We will honor our members, past and present, and provide a reminder as to how we, a global Society, can stay connected. You, the membership, are the most valuable resource of the Society. We stay engaged, dynamic and responsive to a changing landscape in medicine because of your feedback. Looking forward to seeing you all in Montreal! A bientot!
Secretary
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the Spring 2024 issue of Bare Bones, which includes highlights of our Society’s important activities and reports on our current strategic initiatives.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023
2023 was a very successful year for the ISS. We welcomed a record number of attendees to the ISS MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in London which not only marked our semicentennial but included the participation of more than twenty international MSK societies to expand knowledge and develop contacts. Celebrating an anniversary may sound old-fashioned, but many exciting new initiatives were developed in 2023, including new teaching formats and increasing presence of modern diagnostics in pathology and radiology at the Meeting, and also organizational changes such as shorter tenures for Executive Committee members to provide additional opportunities for others to participate in ISS business. Our Outreach Program (including the more extensive Global Health Initiative format) also expanded and is increasingly important for our Society. Other innovations and initiatives may not be as easily visible, but also prepare our Society for the future, such as developments at our Journal of Skeletal Radiology, where we hope to increase participation from low- and middle-income countries.
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2024
The program for the 2024 Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada will be exceptional, as is every year, with many well-known, familiar formats for sharing new ideas. As you make plans to attend, know that Montreal is easy to reach with an excellent international airport. Our host hotel and meeting venue, Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel offers excellent meeting facilities and comfortable, remodeled rooms. Public transportation, cultural events, modern research institutions, and nearby excellent restaurants will provide a perfect setting for a successful meeting. As you’re marking your calendar and making plans, be sure to note that the Member’s Dinner will once again be held on Monday evening, September 16. Among the new initiatives is our expanded grant system and the first in our series of Donald Resnick Visiting Professors. We will look into the potential of white papers and an e-book for students and young residents (currently u der consideration). There will also be an impressive number of Outreach and Global Health Programs and we may see the results of active recruitment of members from low- and middle-income countries. We’re also looking forward to a special issue of Skeletal Radiology that looks at the past and future of MSK medicine. Lastly, we recently joined the International Federation of Musculoskeletal Research Societies (IFMRS) with the intention of to fostering scientific exchange.
I look forward to seeing you all in Montreal!
Juerg Hodler, MD, MBA
President, International Skeletal Society
BY-THE-NUMBERS
The ISS MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in was immensely successful and hugely memorable, with more than 1,300 attendees!
Here’s the breakdown of attendees:
ISS Members 334
Non-Member Physicians 414
MSK Society Members 428
Non-Physician Providers 5
Low Income Country Physicians 37
Students 12
Residents 42
Fellows 38
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AGSSR: 8 AMS: 5 AMSIG: 23 BSSR: 183 |
CBR: 3 DGMSR: 14 ESSR: 57 FAARDIT: 1 |
JSMR: 1 KSMR: 33 MSS: 1 MSTS: 1 |
SAMSIG: 7 SERME: 15 SIMS: 14 SSR: 53 |
SSSR: 5 USMSR: 4 |
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Argentina: 3 Australia: 50 Austria: 7 Bahrain: 5 Belgium: 25 Brazil: 21 Canada: 55 Chile: 8 China: 1 Colombia: 5 Costa Rica: 1 Croatia: 2 Denmark: 8 Egypt: 5 Estonia: 5 Finland: 23 France: 17 Gabon: 1 |
Germany: 30 Greece: 3 Guatemala: 1 Hong Kong: 16 India: 23 Indonesia: 3 Iran: 1 Ireland: 11 Israel: 8 Italy: 9 Japan: 25 Jordan: 3 Korea: 48 Kuwait: 1 Latvia: 3 Lebanon: 4 Lithuania: 1 Malaysia: 4 |
Malta: 2 Mexico: 1 Namibia: 1 Netherlands: 27 New Zealand: 17 Norway: 14 Oman: 1 Pakistan: 1 Peru: 2 Philippines: 5 Poland: 6 Portugal: 28 Qatar: 6 Republic of North Macedonia: 1 Saudi Arabia: 14 Singapore: 21 |
Slovenia: 3 South Africa: 9 Spain: 23 Sudan: 1 Sweden: 6 Switzerland: 65 Taiwan: 2 Thailand: 20 Tunisia: 2 Turkey: 7 United Arab Emirates: 4 United Kingdom: 308 United States: 272 Vietnam: 1 Yemen: 1 Zimbabwe: 1 |
194 Abstracts were submitted for consideration and reviewed by the members of the Scientific Sessions Committee and the Electronic Posters Committee.
127 Educational Exhibits/Case Reports
67 Scientific Presentations/Technical Innovations
145 Abstracts were accepted.
100 Case Reports/Educational Exhibits
45 Scientific Presentations/Technical Innovations
25 Selected as oral presentations
120 Selected as ePoster presentations
33 Educational Exhibits were selected for online CME
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Belgium: 2 Brazil: 34 Canada: 5 Egypt: 1 France: 7 India: 27 |
Nepal: 2 Netherlands: 1 Norway: 1 Republic of Korea: 44 Saudi Arabia: 2 Singapore: 10 |
Switzerland: 2 Taiwan: 1 Thailand: 1 United Kingdom: 14 USA: 40 |
Each year, ISS honors the best of the best for their outstanding scientific achievements. Join us in congratulating the 2023 medal recipients who were honored at the MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in London.
Join us in congratulating the winners of the 2023-2024 ISS Research Seed Grant Awards and the ISS Early Career Grant Awards announced at the MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in London.
Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Darby Award, the 2022 Corinne Farrell Awards, and the 2022 Editor’s
Award which were presented at the MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in London.
2022 ALAN DARBY AWARD
Eddy D. Zandee van Rilland, Jim S. Wu, MD, Cana M. Tompkins, Sean P. Kelly, Megan E. Anderson
“Distant Migration of Gluteal Augmentation Fat Presenting as a Soft Tissue Knee Mass.”
Skeletal Radiology 51, 1093–1098 (October 2021).
2022 CORINNE FARRELL AWARD
Michael E. Mulligan, MD
“Myeloma Response Assessment and Diagnosis System (MY-RADS): Strategies for Practice Implementation.”
Skeletal Radiology; 51, 11–15 (March 2021).
Vimarsha G. Swani, Elizabeth G. Demicco, Ali Naraghi, Lawrence M. White, MD
“Soft Tissue Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Musculoskeletal System: Spectrum of MRI Appearances and
Characteristic Imaging Features.”
Skeletal Radiology; 51, 807–817 (August 2021).
2022 EDITOR’S AWARD
Olga Laur, Michael J. Weaver, Christopher Bridge, Erika Chow, Michael Rosenthal, Camden Bay, Houman
Javedan, Mitchel B. Harris, Bharti Khurana
“Computed Tomography-based Body Composition Profile as a Screening Tool for Geriatric Frailty Detection.”
Skeletal Radiology 51, 1371–1380 (December 2021).
Committees are the backbone of ISS. Committee Chairs provide essential leadership and direction to each committee and working together with the Executive Committee provide significant support for the Society’s strategic initiatives to promote learning, membership, and keeping our community actively engaged.
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Archive & History Committee Audit Committee Awards Committee Board of Trustees Endowment Fund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee Electronic Exhibit Committee Intersociety Liaison Committee Members Meeting Program Committee Membership Committee Nominating Committee Online Education Resources Committee Outreach Program Committee Prizes Committee Refresher Course Committee |
Refresher Course Promotion Committee Research & Education Committee Rules Committee Scientific Session Committee Skeletal Radiology Editorial Committee Social Media Committee Sponsorship Committee Ultrasound Course Committee WORKING GROUPSDon Resnick Traveling Visiting Professorship Program - Working Group Including Latin America - Working Group |
Archive and History Committee
David Wilson, FRCP, FRCR, Chair
The principal activity of the Committee has been identifying Founder Members who wish to be involved in the London and Montreal meetings where we will celebrate the beginnings of the Society. Members of the Committee have interviewed Founders, former Presidents and other members who had substantial impact on the development of the ISS. These conversations will be presented at the next two Annual Meetings.
Audit Committee
Gene Siegal, MD, PhD, Chair
The Audit Committee of the ISS and its Endowment Fund have not yet received the consolidated financial statements from our certified public accountants. We can note that as of 5/31/22, the total assets slightly exceeded $4 million dollars of which $1.65 million were held in investment instruments while the current liability was less than $80 thousand dollars. Previously, our accountants issued a letter (10/07/22) noting they did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that they consider to be material weaknesses.
Awards Committee
William Palmer, MD, Chair
The Awards Committee selects recipients of the Founders’ Medal, the Medal of the International Skeletal Society, and the President’s Medal. Until June 1, all ISS members have the opportunity to nominate candidates for the Medal of the ISS and the President’s Medal. Nomination forms are available on the ISS website. Awardees were announced during the Business Meeting of the ISS Annual Meeting in London.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Miriam Bredella, MD, Chair
Founded in 2022 to increase diversity in the ISS, the new 15-member committee represents eight countries. Activities included collection of data on gender, race, and ethnicity of ISS members, input on composition of ISS committees to ensure diversity, mentorship, changes to membership criteria, addition of a DEI session during the Annual Meeting, and a new Statement of Inclusivity on the ISS website. The Committee also introduced the new “Consciously Addressing Unconscious Bias” Webinar Series, open to all ISS members, fellows, and residents. Topics included DEI & Career Development, Counteracting Bias, How to Succeed in the Academic World, Overcoming Obstacles and Barriers, and Branding. Webinars are recorded and posted on ISS website.
Electronic Exhibit Committee
Kambiz Motamedi, MD, Chair
We received 127 abstracts for the 2023 Annual Meeting and reviewed and scored them. Approximately 100 abstracts were accepted and notifications to authors were sent. In addition, the Committee selected 33 abstracts potentially suitable for CME. As before, I am grateful to the Committee members for their dedication and hard work and to Debbie Roller at Veritas Association Management for her expertise and professional assistance in this matter.
Membership Committee
Kathryn Stevens, MD, Chair
Since its last report, the Membership Committee has approved 21 new members, consisting of 16 radiologists, 3 pathologists and 2 orthopaedic surgeons. Committee members now fill in a template on each applicant to ensure that they fulfill the requirements for membership, which provides a permanent record of decisions for the ISS. We are delighted to welcome the new members into the International Skeletal Society and look forward to their involvement in upcoming meetings.
Online Education Resources Committee
Kevin McGill, MD, Chair
The Online Education Resources Committee reviewed the current organization of our online lectures and expanded offerings is many categories, including Myopathies, Sacroiliitis, MRI Athletic Shoulder, Bone Tumor Mimickers, Osteogenic Bone Lesions, ACL Tears, and Spine Intervention. A robust series of lectures is planned for 2024, including Difficult MSK Biopsies, Meniscal Ramp Lesions, Ankle Ligaments, Ultrasound Interventions, Brachial Plexus, AI Based MSK MRI, and more.
Outreach Program
Clarissa Canella, MD, PhD, Chair
Dr. Canella reported that in 2024 there are presential programs planned for Chile, Costa Rica, Norway, Ukraine, Oman, India, and Sri Lanka, and following the successful 2023 program in Egypt, the Global Health Initiative is planning events in Nepal, Nigeria, and South America for 2024.
Refresher Course Committee
Miriam Bredella, MD, Chair
For the All-MSK Meeting, the Refresher Course showcased our national and international MSK societies and their members. Representatives from each MSK society participated in the planning of the Course and put together an incredible program, the largest to date, with three parallel tracks and nearly 200 speakers. There was a Sports Medicine and MSK track and a new interactive Case Review track and an interactive Spondyloarthropathy course. The combined opening session focused on MSK around the world, and the combined closing session, organized by the new ISS DEI Committee, focused on the radiology workforce.
Research & Education Committee
Anne Cotten, MD, Chair
ISS is proud to announce that the 2024 grant application submission process is now open. Information regarding each grant, as well as funding and guidelines, can be found on the ISS Website.
- 3 early career grants of $4,000 each!
- 2 seed grants of $30,000 each!
The deadline for submissions is April 7, 2024.
Sponsorship Committee
Kenneth Lee, MD, Chair
After the sponsorship success of the 2022 Barcelona meeting, the Committee set a lofty goal of doubling sponsorship of the 2023 MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in London. Diligent work included meeting with potential sponsors at the in-person 2022 RSNA, 2023 ECR, SSR, and SIR meetings, and enhancements to the meeting prospectus, including a new Diamond level sponsorship at $25,000, to clearly signal our meeting goals, highlights, and direct access to influential attendees. The result was a 210% increase in sponsorship, from $38,250 (2022 Barcelona) to $118,500 (2023 London)!
Refresher Course Promotion Committee
Andrew Grainger, BM, BS, MRCP, FRCR, Chair
Committee meetings were held via Zoom in 2022 and face-to-face at the Barcelona meeting. A graphic identity and logo for the ISS MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in London was developed and implemented on publicity materials by our Veritas, our management partner, Veritas, and we successfully utilized WhatsApp to promote the Course, as many of the participating Societies use the platform as a primary means of communication. We also ensured that all participating Societies were kept informed regarding all details, including ensuring and optimizing the ability of individual Society members to register. The best assessment of the Committee’s activities are the registration numbers for the meeting, which exceeded our expectations (see the full post-meeting summary in this issue).
Rules Committee
Reto Sutter, MD, Chair
The Rules Committee is responsible for reviewing, amending, and interpreting Bylaws. Bylaws amendments proposed in 2023 included updating language for Refresher Course Committee, membership and voting rights of the elected Officers, ISS leadership terms of office, reporting requirements of committees, wording of the Outreach Program, including the Editor Award in the bylaws, creation of bylaws for the Ultrasound Course Committee, updating the wording of the Prize Committee description, and an update to Appendix C (Endowment fund). All proposed amendments were voted on during 2023 Annual Business Meeting in London.
Scientific Session Committee
Hillary Garner, MD, Chair
The Committee reviewed and scored 67 abstract submissions, a 45% increase over the 2022 meeting in Barcelona and representing 15 countries. 31 presentations on original scientific research were held at the ISS MSK 2023 Global Musculoskeletal Societies Joint Meeting in London, plus 20 electronic posters on original scientific research. Several of the oral presentations include reports from ISS Grant recipients and those awarded ‘Best Paper’ at the 2023 Annual Meetings of the Asian Musculoskeletal Society, European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology, and Society of Skeletal Radiology.
Social Media Committee
Girish Gandikota MD, Chair
The first task for this new committee was building and expanding the committee with help from resourceful members, and seven members from across the globe were approved to join the committee! New social media accounts were established (LinkedIn, Instagram), and Facebook was refreshed. After losing access to our old Twitter account, an entirely new account was created on X (formerly Twitter) @ISS_bone. 2024 expansion plans include creating a TikTok account, if a survey of members indicates they would look to that platform for an ISS presence.
We are thrilled to announce that ISS has officially affiliated with the International Federation of Musculoskeletal Research Societies (IFMRS)! As we embark on this collaborative journey, we encourage all our members to explore the incredible resources that IFMRS has to offer. Take a moment to check out their free online resources, and consider contributing content for HubLE, a valuable platform within IFMRS.
Explore HubLE: HubLE
Join the Discussion: Connect with like-minded individuals on our online discussion channel. Your insights and contributions are highly valued.
Stay Informed: To stay updated on the latest developments and initiatives, follow IFMRS on Twitter (@IFMRSGlobal, @IFMRSHubLE) and LinkedIn (HubLE). Don’t forget to sign up for their newsletter: News - IFMRS
Get Involved: We invite you to actively participate, engage, and contribute to the vibrant community that our affiliation with IFMRS brings.
Thank you for being a part of this exciting collaboration! Let’s make a positive impact together!
ISS is stepping up its social media presence in 2024 by introducing our brand-new account: @ISS_Bone,
our official platform for posting updates, announcements, and engaging with our incredible community on the X (formerly Twitter) platform. We value your input and participation, so be sure to tag us in your posts, or share your thoughts with us directly about what content you’d like to see more of on ISS_Bone.
Let’s leverage the power of social media to connect, inspire, and elevate our community!
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ISS celebrates the life and achievements of Dr. Howard Dorfman, who passed away peacefully in his home on October 16, 2023. Remembered as a great friend and a giant in musculoskeletal pathology, Dr. Dorfman was the last Pathologist president of the ISS.
Dr. Dorfman was perhaps best known not only for his encyclopedic knowledge of orthopedic pathology, but as a great author, teacher, and consultant. He co-authored a textbook with Dr. Bogdan Czerniak entitled Bone Tumors that is widely considered to be the most comprehensive text on the subject. Few pathologists, radiologists, and orthopedic surgeons who knew him can say that their relationship with him was not a life changing experience. He was given the Henry Jaffe award by the Hospital for Joint Diseases Orthopedic Institute, the Corrine Farrell and the Alan Darby awards of the International Skeletal Society, and the Jean R. Oliver award from SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
A lover of literature, art, and sailing, Dr. Dorfman was also devoted to his family. He will be sorely missed by his family, and by those whom he gave so kindly of his knowledge and time. ISS extends its sincerest condolences and sympathy to Dr. Dorfman’s family, friends, and colleagues.
A life dedicated to family, faith, and radiology-with a footnote on football (well, sort of).
In the realms of life, Dr Saifuddin carved his path with the precision of a skilled surgeon - equal parts family man, devoted believer, a gifted radiologist, a prolific scientific writer and let’s say, a quiet yet avid admirer of Leeds United Football club (from a distance). As the final whistle blows on his earthly journey, we reflect upon a life that was fully lived and was hugely impactful.
He was a serious and quiet soul but could come up with the driest of British wit at a time when his target of humour would be least expecting it.
Asif’s powers of concentration rivalled those of a Zen master. The office tearoom was a place he left untouched, as was the hospital cafeteria. His lunch half hour was spent with him working on one of his myriad research projects. He had a lot of time for his willing students, many of whom he launched into the world of research like a careful and proud supervisor.
ISS extends its sincerest condolences and sympathy to Dr. Saifuddin’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Murali Sundaram passed away peacefully at home in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by his children and grandchildren on July 21, 2023.
Murali’s journey began in the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The seeds of his passion were sown during his early years on the island, where he discovered his love for swimming and the art of cricket. These youthful pursuits not only shaped his character but also foreshadowed the dedication and skill that would define his life’s work.
As the winds of change swept through Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Murali’s parents made the difficult decision to send him to Chennai, India. It was here that his brilliance truly blossomed, not only academically but also in the realm of sports. A junior table tennis champion, he carved a name for himself in India, leaving an indelible mark on the sports arena. Yet, his passion for cricket remained unwavering, accompanying him through Loyola College, Guntur Medical School, and even across the seas to England while in training at the Royal Manchester Infirmary in Manchester, UK.
Murali’s professional journey was nothing short of extraordinary. With a career spanning over five decades, he navigated the corridors of esteemed institutions, from the University of Saint Louis to the Mayo Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic. His expertise in musculoskeletal radiology was unparalleled, marked by the publication of over 300 journal articles and multiple books. His dedication extended beyond his own research, as he took on the role of editor for Skeletal Radiology, shaping the landscape of his field. But Murali’s influence extended beyond academic achievements. His presence was felt in the societies of musculoskeletal radiology, where his wisdom and leadership were valued. His role as one of the first presidents of the Society of Skeletal Radiology cemented his place as a trailblazer in his field. The International Skeletal Society became his second home, a stage where his contributions were acknowledged with prestigious awards, including the Medal of ISS and ISS Founders Medal.
A loyal friend, a supportive colleague, and a devoted teacher, he shaped countless lives through his mentorship. His love for his family was immeasurable, and his role as a father and grandfather brought him boundless joy.
Murali’s wit, charm, and sense of humor endeared him to all who crossed his path. His legacy as a gentleman, a scholar, and a compassionate soul will forever shine brightly in our hearts. Murali is survived by his daughters, Aparna Sundaram and Priya Sundaram, his four beloved grandchildren, Coda Max, Lyla Simonelli, Rohan Reyes Sundaram, and Rahul Reyes Sundaram, and his brothers, Shankar Sundaram and SV Ramanan. He was preceded in death by his
cherished son, Gautam Sundaram.
The 2024 ISS 50th Annual Meeting is happening! Join more than 1,000 attendees over multiple full days of presentations and discussions of clinical case studies, scientific papers, and engaging reviews of all aspects of musculoskeletal disorders including imaging, pathology, and clinical management. Plus, plenty of opportunities to connect and socialize with colleagues and peers. Quite simply, it’s a can’t miss event in an incredible venue! Online registration will open soon!
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