The II Congresso Latino American e VIII Congresso Brasileiro de Ortopedia Técnica (2nd Latin American Congress and the 8th Brazilian Congress for Prosthetics and Orthotics) was held September 27 through October 1, in Natal, Brazil. More than 540 experts, 33 speakers, and more than 2,700 visitors convened to discuss techniques and share experiences. About 30 national and international exhibitors showcased their products and presented the latest developments in O&P technology.
The Latin American Congress is now the foremost O&P event in Latin America, and among the tenth largest in the world, to disseminate news and information of the latest research findings and demonstrate company product lines.
The event saw a 25 percent increase in the number of attendees, a 23 percent increase in the number of participants, and a 15 percent increase in exhibitors, compared with the 2009 Congress in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil.
Among the educational and scientific offerings were topics ranging from the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers, physical therapy interventions for the rehabilitation of lower-limb amputations, and techniques for the fabrication of carbon-fiber orthoses.
Among the international exhibitors were Otto Bock, Duderstadt, Germany, responsible for bringing the Michelangelo® Hand to Brazil, and Touch Bionics, Livingston, Scotland, responsible for the i-limb™ hand.
In addition to international representatives, the fair featured exhibitors from Brazil, such as Ortho Pauher, Afogados. Founded in 1995, the company manufactures silicone orthopedic products and polymer gel.
“Our big launch in the Congress was the adjustable ring, a socket system sealed under vacuum, said Henrique Queiroz, company director. “The equipment allows for better suction and leverage.”
