A Message of Thanks and Looking Ahead: 2027 ISCD Position Development Conference
From ISCD President Angela Cheung and 2027 Position Development Conference Chairs Rob Blank and John Schousboe
On behalf of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), we extend our sincere thanks to all members and colleagues who submitted topic suggestions during the recent Call for Topics for the 2027 Position Development Conference (PDC). The response from our community was exceptional.
We received more than 50 thoughtful and high-quality submissions—far more than could reasonably be addressed within a single Position Development Conference. The depth, rigor, and relevance of these proposals speak strongly to the engagement of our membership and to the vitality of the field. While this abundance made topic selection challenging, it also underscored the important role ISCD continues to play in advancing musculoskeletal health through evidence-based guidance.
The topic selection process was guided by several core principles. In particular, we prioritized topics that:
- Are directly related to and supportive of the ISCD mission.
- Have sufficient scientific research to justify the creation of a Task Force and convening of a PDC, with a reasonable likelihood that Position Statements can be developed with at least some scientific support.
- Address areas of controversy or uncertainty in the field where Position Statements would meaningfully contribute to clarity and progress.
- Are relevant and applicable to the constituencies served by ISCD, with particular emphasis on clinical application and utility.
- Support and help guide ISCD educational programs.
Following careful review by the ISCD Scientific Advisory Council and the PDC Chairs, the ISCD Board of Directors has approved the creation of three Task Forces for the 2027 Position Development Conference.
Task Force 1: DXA-Related Issues
This Task Force will address key technical and clinical considerations related to DXA, including:
- Vertebral body exclusion
- Radius scanning: indications, regions of interest, interpretation, and reporting
- Detection and reporting of aortic calcification
- Comparison of mABQ versus SQ for ascertaining vertebral fracture on VFA
- 3D Bone Shaper
Task Force 2: Non-DXA Assessments in Adults
This Task Force will focus on emerging and evolving assessment modalities, including:
- Finite Element Analysis (DXA-based and CT-based)
- Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-Spectrometry (REMS)
- AI-enhancement of imaging data across all modalities
Task Force 3: Pediatric Issues
This Task Force will examine critical topics in pediatric densitometry and interpretation, including:
- Reference population definitions and their scientific rationales
- Pediatric DXA reporting: technical and clinical elements, including indications, special populations, and adjustments
- DXA interpretation and reporting in transgender and non-binary individuals
Information about Task Force Chairs and membership will be shared on the ISCD website as these roles are finalized.
We are pleased to announce that the ISCD Position Development and Musculoskeletal Health Conference will take place April 15–17, 2027, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. We look forward to robust discussion, rigorous analysis, and the development of Position Statements that will continue to advance clinical practice and research in musculoskeletal health.
Once again, thank you to everyone who contributed ideas and expertise to this process. Your engagement is essential to the strength and impact of ISCD, and we are grateful for your continued commitment to our shared mission.
Angela Cheung, MD, PhD, FRCPC, CCD
President, ISCD
Rob Blank, MD, PhD, FACP, CCD
John Schousboe, MD, PhD, CCD
2027 Position Development Conference Chairs
