International Cartilage Repair Society (icRS)

The International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) was founded in 1997 in Switzerland following the International Fribourg Symposium on Cartilage Repair and initiated by the organisers of this first meeting. Prior to the meeting, the members of the eting. Prior to the meeting, the members of the faculty were asked for their opinion regarding our idea and whether they thought there was a place for the creation of a cartilage repair society and the echo was overwhelmingly positive. The meeting proved indeed to become a unique venue and was successful because we were able to gather on one hand contributions of basic scientists and a research oriented group and on the other clinicians and orthopaedic surgeons focused on one pertinent question. This made up for a truly international symposium with some 330 participants and faculty members from 28 countries. 25 years after, ICRS has now over 1000 members from 66 countries and around 800 participants who attend the ICRS World Congress, which is held every 18 months. The ICRS is the main forum for international collaboration in cartilaginous tissue research. Recognizing that there is a continuum from cartilage injury to degenerative joint disease, we bring together basic scientists, clinical researchers, physicians and industry members engaged or interested in articular biology, its genetic basis and regenerative medicine. We seek to improve our patients´ quality of life, decrease their disability and reduce the impact of degenerative joint disease on healthcare systems worldwide. Advancing Science & Education of the Prevention & Treatment of Cartilage Disease Worldwide To provide continuing education and training to physicians and scientists with an active interest in the prevention and treatment of joint disease. To improve patient care through regenerative medicine approaches. To promote the exchange of ideas and information to further define the role, direction and goals of biological reconstruction as a speciality within Orthopaedics. To create a permanent source of funds to sponsor education, basic science, clinical research and technical assessments of developments in joint repair. To meet regularly to encourage communication of issues vital to joint disease. To support education and research for the benefit of the discipline. To foster the integration of basic and clinical science. To facilitate the translation of that science to healthcare and clinical practice. To promote high standards in the practice of biologic joint reconstruction and its rehabilitation. To promote cartilage research and repair to young doctors, investigators and researchers through worldwide training programs, fellowships and grants.