ISBM History
The International Society of Bone Morphometry (ISBM) is a non-profit research 501(c)3 organization with origins in a series of Workshops on Bone Morphometry, the first of which was held in Ottawa in 1973. The ISBM is dedicated to advancing research, education, and clinical practice for osteoporosis and other bone disorders by developing and improving tools for the quantitative imaging and analysis of bone. Our core mission is to educate and train clinicians and scientists in all aspects of bone morphometry, to provide a forum for experts to share and develop their research, to set standards within the field for skeletal imaging and morphometry, and to advance novel therapies to support lifelong skeletal health.
Though the underlying techniques and questions have changed over time, the need for standardization of established tools and discovery of novel approaches for bone morphometry remains a constant. The ISBM fulfills this need by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, with a philosophy that encourages the open discussion of pitfalls and challenges among clinicians, scientists, and industry partners. This facilitates the rapid development and adaptation of tools to meet emerging demands within the field of bone health at a high level.
In 2023 we celebrated with 50th anniversary of the ISBM. In recognition of this important milestone, ISBM presidents Dr Erica L. Scheller (2022-2024) and Dr Thomas J. Wronski (2009-2012), in collaboration with all other living ISBM presidents and current leadership members, developed a landmark publication for the society. This article chronicles the evolution of the ISBM and the history and development of bone morphometric techniques for the past 50-years, starting with workshops on bone morphometry in 1973, to the formal incorporation of the ISBM in 1996, to today. We also provide a framework and vision for the coming decades. We welcome you to join us on this journey and look forward to supporting your science and efforts to improve bone health throughout the world.
ISBM Founding Board of Directors:
Hartmut H. Malluche, MD
University of Kentucky,
Division of Nephrology,
Bone & Mineral Metabolism,
800 Rose Street, MN 564,
Lexington, KY 40536,0084
Gastone Marotti, MD
Instituto di Anatomia umana
Policlinico Via Del Pozzo 71
Modena, Italy 431100
Pierre J. Meunier, MD
Unite ISERM 234 Hospital
Edouard Herriot Pavillion F
Lyon Cedex 3, 69437 France
A Michael Parfitt, MD
Bone & Mineral Research
Laboratory, Education &
Research Building, 7092,
Detroit, MI 48202,2689
Flemming Melsen, MD
University Institute of
Pathology Aarhus
Amtssygehus DK 8000,
Arhus C Denmark
Hideaki E. Takahashi, MD
Department of Orthopedic
Surgery, Niigata University
School of Medicine,
Niigata City, 951 Japan
Marie-Claude Faugere, MD
University of Kentucky,
Division of Nephrology Bone
& Mineral Metabolism,
800 Rose Street, MN 564,
Lexington, KY 40536,0084
Robert Recker, MD
Center for Hard Tissue
Research,
601 N. 30th Street, Suite 5740,
Omaha, NE 68131
