Orthopaedic treatment and care in times of crisis
OTWorld 2026 provides impetus for crisis-proof care structures. From 19 to 22 May 2026 in Leipzig, the OTWorld World Congress will address how orthopaedic treatment and care can be reliably provided in times of crisis and conflict.
As the world's most important meeting place for modern orthopaedic treatment and care, OTWorld 2026 will put key future issues in healthcare on the agenda. The focus will be on supply chains that enable people to remain mobile, self-determined and involved even under exceptional circumstances.
Proactively strengthening supply chains
Crisis and conflict situations place special demands on healthcare systems. Injuries require:
• effective acute care
• early, quality-assured medical aids
• closely linked rehabilitation
Orthopaedic treatment often begins in the acute phase, accompanies the transition to rehabilitation and forms the basis for the long-term effectiveness of therapeutic measures. This creates continuous care pathways that promote a return to a self-determined life.
In a symposium on rehabilitation in conflict situations, experts from medicine, rehabilitation and care practice will discuss how supply chains can be made resilient and how phase-related and cross-sector treatment pathways can be successfully implemented even when there are large numbers of seriously injured people. Topics include:
• preparation for emergencies
• accelerated rehabilitation concepts in exceptional situations
• the transition from joint replacement implants to external prostheses after amputation
Another symposium will emphasize the European perspective, focusing on surgical approaches to treating war injuries, strategic considerations for civil-military cooperation, and the further development of prosthetics and orthotics in highly fluctuating care conditions.
Prosthetics and orthotics as a cornerstone of modern care
OTWorld makes it clear that prosthetics and orthotics are a central component of efficient healthcare systems. Prostheses, orthoses and wheelchairs support mobilisation from the outset and enable rehabilitation, participation and quality of life. The value of interdisciplinary and internationally networked care structures is particularly evident in times of crisis and conflict.
Training meets practice and market
The congress focuses on three main topics:
• rehabilitation
• training
• integrative care
The programme is complemented by contributions on:
• prosthetics
• orthotics
• orthopaedic footwear technology
• compression therapy
• digital transformation
• medical aid research
• global care strategies
It brings together the entire range of training opportunities for all those involved in orthopaedic treatment and care under one roof.
International Trade Show with a global perspective
Parallel to the World Congress, the International Trade Show showcases the entire spectrum of modern orthopaedic treatment and care – from innovative technologies and products to practical solutions for different care settings.
A special focus is on prosthetic care after amputation. OTWorld offers a globally unique overview of the corresponding care options: prosthesis manufacturers present their solutions as well as concepts for different care realities – even under difficult conditions in crisis regions.
Experienced care centres share their practical experience, including Superhumans from Kiev, Ukraine, with insights into the care of war wounded. Aid projects such as Pro Uganda provide insights into their work and show how sustainable care structures can be established in different regions. Organisations that train specialists urgently needed locally in the provision of medical aids, including Human Study e.V., illustrate how training, knowledge transfer and international cooperation contribute to strengthening supply systems in the long term.
The World Congress and Trade Show combine further training, exchange and market overview, making OTWorld the central meeting place for all players in the field of orthopaedic treatment and care.
