Joint Challenge 2025: in-depth analyses, scientific debate and new perspectives in the osteoarticular area

Musculoskeletal disorders – both acute and chronic – are the second leading cause of disability worldwide (not only among the elderly, but also in the working-age population), as well as one of the main causes of absenteeism from work. These conditions lead to a deterioration in the quality of life of those affected, and result in significant direct and indirect health costs for society.

The second edition of Joint Challenge 2025 focused on precisely this issue. Organised by IBSA, the event aimed to promote scientific updates and multidisciplinary discussions on innovations in the osteoarticular area. The congress took place on 21-22 March in Baveno, Italy, bringing together over 300 specialists from different countries, including orthopaedists, rheumatologists, sports doctors, and physiatrists.

With Joint Challenge 2025, IBSA confirms its commitment to medical training and prevention, with the firm belief that innovation must go hand in hand with the continuous updating of specialists, to improve the quality of life of patients and enhance adherence to therapies.

AN EVENT FOR TRAINING AND INNOVATION IN PAIN MANAGEMENT

From the role of new technologies to the personalisation of treatments, the congress offered a comprehensive overview of the challenges and prospects in the management of musculoskeletal disorders and their consequences. It also highlighted several key topics, including:

• impact of musculoskeletal disorders on society, the need for a personalised approach to acute and chronic pain and the evolution of diagnostic methodologies;
• interdisciplinary approaches to the management of musculoskeletal pain;
• standards of care and the emerging treatments for acute and chronic pain, with a special focus on the targeted use of complementary drugs and therapies;
• customisation of pain management in primary care, with tools and protocols designed to improve treatment adherence and optimise the patient’s care pathway;
• viscosupplementation – i.e. intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections – with an analysis of current evidence and future prospects, both in the treatment of osteoarthritis and in sports medicine;
• importance of early interventions, to prevent the progression of chronic diseases and improve the quality of life.

Significant attention was also given to new technologies, including the use of virtual reality in pain management for osteoarthritis and the growing role of artificial intelligence in musculoskeletal medicine. These essential tools open new perspectives in early diagnosis, in the choice of treatments and in predicting the progression of the disease. 

Finally, discussions covered multidisciplinary approaches to treating traumatic musculoskeletal injuries, with a focus on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies, as well as the contribution of pharmaceutical technology to optimise treatment adherence.

FROM RESEARCH TO CLINICAL REALITY: THE CENTRAL ROLE OF THE PATIENT

The event also provided first-hand testimonies from individuals living with musculoskeletal disorders or those who have experienced joint injuries, allowing the scientific debate to be enriched with a crucial perspective.

Among the special guests was Daniel (Dani) Pedrosa, the famous Spanish motorcycle racer, three-time world champion (2003, 2004 and 2005) and winner of 54 Grands Prix. Pedrosa shared his experience, recounting his career, his victories, his numerous injuries (to collarbone, hands, wrists, hip) and his rehabilitation journey. His surgeon, Dr. Robert Soler, presented images from his latest collarbone surgery, illustrating each stage of the procedure.

Another key aspect of Joint Challenge 2025 was the active participation of patient organisations. Through discussions with doctors and researchers, these organisations highlighted the main challenges in the management of chronic pain and therapy adherence, stressing the need for an integrated approach that combines pharmacological innovation, rehabilitation and psychosocial support. In particular, the need emerged for more personalised therapeutic paths, a more effective doctor-patient communication and a greater accessibility to care.