P&O Insights on AIS: Transatlantic exchange with identical programme in Nashville and Leipzig
For the fourth time, OTWorld is collaborating with the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists (AAOP). The focus of the transatlantic collaboration in 2026 will be on the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Under the label “OTWorld Congress – P&O Insights,” AAOP and OTWorld are deepening their professional dialogue – with identical program content and almost the same panel of experts on both continents.
The symposium at the AAOP Annual Meeting (February 18–21, 2026) in Nashville marked the start of the collaboration. German and US speakers discussed current approaches to orthotic care for adolescent scoliosis patients and presented their respective care concepts. The direct comparison of clinical and skilled trades approaches was very well received.
"I was excited to participate in this event. It was personally very educational to me to be a part of this exchange. I was reassured by the many similarities in our approaches to caring for these patients between our sites and our countries, and I love how how parallel ideas and evolution of bracing techniques have emerged over time at all of our sites. At the same time, it was great to appreciate some subtle nuanced differences between our approaches with new ideas that I can bring back to my team at home. Thanks!"
The format will continue at OTWorld in Leipzig from May 19 to 22, 2026. In terms of content, the programme will tie in with the discussions in Nashville with a similar lineup. Dr. Stefan Hemmer and Beate Flügel (Heidelberg University Hospital) as well as Dr. Brandon Ramo (Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children), Leigh Davis (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta), and Bettina Tesarz (Heidelberg University Hospital) are expected to speak at the symposium on May 20 and the workshop on May 22.
Bring your experience to the transatlantic dialogue – because every single perspective makes a difference in the care of adolescent scoliosis patients.
