Dear friends

The success of the six previous Instructional Courses in Biomechanics, which were held in 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010, prompted us to continue this program and it is our privilege to welcome you to the 7th Instructional Course in Biomechanics «The Hip» in 2012. We learned a great deal from the six previous courses and have, hopefully, improved the format and made it even more interesting and practical. We are continuing the workshops with hands-on biomechanics lead by specialists in the field. The courses will be held in small groups. We are honoured by the fact that internationally renowned experts have again accepted the invitation to come to Pontresina. We encourage not only Orthopaedic Surgeons, but also Rheumatologists, Sports Physicians, Physiotherapists, and Biomedical Engineers to participate in this course. Only an interdisciplinary approach will lead to exciting and interesting discussions. By analysing your operative procedures, your post- operative x-rays and your rehabilitation programs, with biomechanical knowledge in mind, you will find yourself improving your clinical work.

In addition to a well-equipped congress centre, Pontresina offers a great variety of recrea- tional activities for the participants and accompanying persons. We are looking forward to seeing you in Pontresina soon.

This will be the first course in which Prof. Markus Kuster will unfortunately be unable to attend as a Co-Chairman. Prof. Kuster accepted an appointment as Head of the Ortho- paedic Department at the Royal Perth Hospital in Perth, Australia, in 2010. Since the start of 2011 he has been very busy putting a great deal of effort into the development of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery there. We will miss him in Pontresina – but we will continue the course in his manner.