Repair and regeneration of articular cartilage and intervertebral disc continue to pose significant clinical challenges, despite their well-characterized structure. These tissues are known for their limited intrinsic healing capacity; however, recent advances in both preclinical and clinical research are offering renewed hope. Innovations in targeting senescent cells, harnessing extracellular vesicles, mobilizing chondroprogenitors, designing advanced biomaterials, and understanding tissue crosstalk are paving the way for more precise and effective management of joint and spine disorders.

This year’s conference highlighted these breakthroughs, showcasing how emerging strategies are bringing us closer than ever to transformative clinical applications. Topics included cell-mediated repair, drug and gene delivery systems, and novel therapeutic approaches—each contributing to a deeper understanding of musculoskeletal regeneration and the critical need for stronger collaboration between scientists and clinicians.

The ARI Orthopaedics Conferences (formerly eCM Conferences) have long served as a dynamic forum where researchers and practitioners converge to share challenges, insights, and solutions. Translating scientific discovery into clinical practice depends on this active exchange between those developing proof-of-concept and those delivering patient care.

Prof Sibylle Grad
Focus Area Leader, Disc and Cartilage Biology, AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, CH

Assoc. Prof Zhen Li
Principal Scientist, Disc and Cartilage Biology, AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, CH

Prof Martin Stoddart
Vice Director, Program Leader, Regenerative Orthopaedics , AO Research Institute Davos, Davos, CH

Presentation and Poster Abstracts