Attendees at OTWorld 2024, held May 14-17 in Leipzig, Germany, gathered to set the course for the future of orthopedic treatment and care. At the world trade show and world congress, with a theme of “Mission Possible,” 20,400 professional visitors from 96 countries joined 574 exhibitors from 42 countries and more than 300 international speakers to discuss new concepts for treatment and care in O&P, orthopedic footwear technology, rehabilitation technology, and compression therapy. 150 new exhibitors and 26 start-ups added to OTWorld 2024 with their products and services.
“OTWorld has proved itself to be the leading event for innovation and collaboration in technical orthopedics. The enthusiasm and commitment of everyone taking part in the event was so impressive,” said Martin Buhl-Wagner, managing director of Leipziger Messe, organizer of the event. “Our objective is to bring together all stakeholders in the medical aids industry here in Leipzig to work together on solutions for better treatment and care worldwide.”
From sustainable orthotics, intelligent prosthetics, rehab technology for stroke patients, and exoskeletons for children to the latest compression treatments and bandages, the trade show covered the full spectrum of the technical orthopedics sector.
Alongside the trade show, OTWorld presented the latest developments in orthopedic footwear technology with innovative solutions in sensomotoric footwear technology and digital measurement. The newly created exhibition space, OTWorld.shoe-technology, showcased the range of products and services available in the sector.
A farewell celebration for the prosthetists and orthotists heading to 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris to care for the elite athletes was a special highlight.
“This OTWorld proved the power of interprofessionalism and global exchange. The progressive solutions presented and the intensive collaboration by specialists from all areas of the sector showed just how important our work is for the future of patient care,” said Alf Reuter, president of the German Association of Orthopedic Technology, the conceptual partner of OTWorld.
Another central element of OTWorld was the Youth.Academy TO, which provided support to young professionals and created opportunities for intergenerational exchange of knowledge and experience. Some 400 young professionals and students from all fields of technical orthopedics had the opportunity to gain new inspiration for their future careers.
A comprehensive programme covering everything from orthopedic inserts to orthotics made of algae took a detailed look at central issues in orthopedic treatment and care. A German-American exchange on the treatment of patients with Spina bifida was part of the featured topic of paediatric, adolescent and neuro-orthopedics which is a subject close to the hearts of the congress presidents.
Another important topic was orthopedic treatment and care in crisis and war zones. Speakers from Ukraine provided insights into challenges and possible solutions on the ground.
Keynote speakers were happiness researcher Ricarda Rehwaldt, algae specialist Thomas Brück, robotics expert Claudio Castellini, and Norddeutscher Rundfunk Equal Opportunity Commissioner René Schaar illustrating the importance of creativity and technological innovation in the medical professions.
The next OTWorld will take place from May 19-22, 2026, in Leipzig.
