Dieter Grob It is the merit of the Bone and Joint in view of the generally reduced Decade to draw our attention with health situation of the involved - increased intensity to the problem of tients. The important role of the the changes related to aging of our biphosphonates in the treatment and musculoskeletal system and the asso- perhaps even more so in the prev- ciated socioeconomic implications. tion of osteoporosis is emphasized In view of the increasing age of the by Fleisch. worldwide population the impact Any successful surgical treatment seems to be tremendous. I congratu- starts with accurate diagnostic pro- late the editors of the present supple- dures. The profound knowledge and ment of the European Spine Journal sophisticated diagnostic techniques in picking up this interesting topic of the complex pathoanatomical and engaging opinion leaders to con- changes in the spine including the tribute their knowledge in this sup- involvement of the neural structures plement. The various contributions (contribution by Dvorak) often go cover some of the important prob- beyond the capacity of a spine s- lems which are included in the vast geon. Teamwork and adequate c- specter of aging spine: osteoporosis munication is mandatory.