The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

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PRESS RELEASE OTWorld 2026: Orthopaedic treatment and care in times of crisis

Orthopaedic treatment and care in times of crisis

OTWorld 2026 provides impetus for crisis-proof care structures

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. From 19 to 22 May 2026 in Leipzig, the OTWorld World Congress will address the question of how orthopaedic treatment and care can be reliably provided in times of crisis and conflict. The focus will be on supply chains that enable people to remain mobile, self-determined and involved even under exceptional circumstances.

Crisis and conflict situations place special demands on healthcare systems. Injuries require effective acute care, early, quality-assured medical aids, and closely linked rehabilitation. Orthopaedic treatment thereby 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.

Proactively strengthening supply chains

The congress specifically addresses this systemic perspective. In a symposium on rehabilitation in conflict situations, experts from the fields of 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, and the transition from joint replacement implants to external prostheses after amputation.

Another symposium will emphasize the European perspective. The focus will be 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

As the world’s largest meeting place for modern orthopaedic treatment and 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 and integrative care. The programme is complemented by contributions on prosthetics, orthotics, orthopaedic footwear technology, compression therapy, digital transformation, medical aid research and global care strategies. It thus 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 introduce themselves and share their practical experience, including Superhumans from Kiev, Ukraine, with insights into the care of war wounded. Aid projects such as Pro Uganda also provide insights into their work and show how sustainable care structures can be established in different regions.

In addition, organisations that train specialists and that are urgently needed locally in the provision of medical aids, including Human Study e.V., will be presenting themselves. They will 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.
 
Access to OTWorld 2026

The ticket shop for OTWorld 2026 is now open. OTWorld full tickets (OTWorld COMPLETE) are available, which include access to the World Congress and the International Trade Show. An early bird rate is available until 31 March, offering savings of up to 80.00 EUR. Discounted day tickets are further available for pupils, students and trainees – with a reduced OTWorld COMPLETE ticket at 89.00 EUR and a reduced OTWorld TRADE SHOW ticket at 21.00 EUR (valid proof of eligibility must be presented). A special Trade Show Group ticket at a reduced ticket price of 29.00 EUR can be recommended for visitor groups with a minimum of four attendees who would like to attend the International Trade Show, including all workshops (exhibitor and congress workshops). Separate two-day tickets are also available for participants of the Youth Academy for Technical Orthopaedics (JA.TO). An early bird rate with a saving of 10.00 EUR is available until 31 March.

Further information on the congress programme is available online here. The ticket shop can be accessed here.
 

Further information 
About OTWorld
About Leipziger Messe

Press contacts:
Anja Hummel    
Press Contact for OTWorld
Leipziger Messe GmbH                                   
Phone: +49 (0)341 678-6528                           
Email: a.hummel@leipziger-messe.de      
 
Ruth Justen
Press Contact for OTWorld  and
German Association of Orthopaedic Technology (BIV-OT)
Phone: +49 (0) 231 5570-5052
Mobile: +49 (0) 151 2805-2860
E-Mail: ruth.justen@biv-ot.org

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Prosthetics & Orthotics Apprenticeship – University of Derby

Dear Colleague

You might be aware, through recent consultation meetings, that the University of Derby has been reviewing the viability of its Prosthetics & Orthotics Apprenticeship provision, due to recent low numbers.  We have been delighted by the response of the industry to this consultation and the support that has been shown for the continuation of this delivery.

We are pleased to confirm the commitment from the University to continue these programmes and we are now opening our recruitment for September 2026.  We would like candidate details by the end of June if possible but can be more flexible if required.

Information on our Level 3 Technician Apprenticeship can be found on this web link – https://www.derby.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-courses/level-3-prosthetic-and-orthotic-technician-apprenticeship/

Information on our Level 6 Clinician Degree Apprenticeship is here – https://www.derby.ac.uk/apprenticeships/apprenticeship-courses/prosthetics-and-orthotics-degree-apprenticeship/

We are hosting a webinar for each programme to give you information on how to fund and support apprentices and information on each programme via separate sessions below.  Please complete a booking for one of the sessions and we will then send you an invite to the meeting.

 

We have also been informed by NHS England that they will be providing funding that will be available to support the back-fill of roles during the apprenticeship.  We will send another email with confirmation of this funding as soon as it has been announced formally.

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We are inviting UK-based orthotists and podiatrists who are involved in the prescription and modification of diabetic insoles to take part in this study. Participation involves either:

  • Completing a short online survey (approx. 10 minutes), or
  • Taking part in a 45-minute interview via Microsoft Teams. (Email: g026894n@student.staffs.ac.uk to be involved in an interview)

Participation is entirely voluntary, and all responses will be anonymous and handled in accordance with GDPR and the University of Staffordshire’s ethical guidelines.

Please find the link to the online survey or a QR code at the end of this email.

https://staffordshire.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDNC5V3pJbX7v5c

If you or your colleagues are interested in participating, or if you would be willing to share this invitation with your professional network of orthotists and podiatrists, I would be very grateful.

For any questions or further information, please feel free to contact me directly.

Philip Grant
Faculty of Health, University of Staffordshire
Email: g026894n@student.staffs.ac.uk

                     

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Short survey for Orthotists working with Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs)! 🦿

We want to better understand current clinical use and prescription rationale for AFOs, so please consider completing this short survey to support this research project.
This survey is part of a taught MSc research project at the University of Lancashire, and we are really hoping to hear from a wide range of orthotists across different clinical settings.
Any questions? Please contact:
CMLagares-ballantin@lancashire.ac.uk
Ethics Reference: 02_2026

Your professional input would be greatly appreciated and will contribute to improving understanding of AFO prescription and clinical decision-making.

https://forms.office.com/e/kBwFn385Dj 

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NEW: Scope of Practice for Prosthetists and Orthotists — Published February 2026

BAPO is pleased to launch our new Scope of Practice statement, providing clear guidance for practitioners, managers, and insurers on what falls within prosthetic and orthotic professional practice.

As our profession evolves, with digital design, additive manufacturing, enhanced, advanced, and consultant roles, and new models of care, it’s vital that we have a shared understanding of where our professional boundaries sit and how they can be appropriately extended.

This document sets out four key criteria for determining whether an activity is within scope, it covers the HCPC’s position on changing scope of practice, and answers frequently asked questions on topics from emerging technologies to delegation, surgical planning input, and advancing practice

📄 Read the full document: Scope of Practice FINAL

📺 Want to deepen your understanding? Watch these webinars: Links to webinars: 

Webinar: scope of practice | The HCPC (for all levels)

Understanding your scope of practice at advanced levels of practice | Webinar

 

This statement should be read alongside BAPO’s Standards for Best Practice.

#Prosthetics #Orthotics #ScopeOfPractice #BAPO #HCPC #AHP

Scope of Practice FINALDownload

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Have your say! In this study we want to know your thoughts on your preferred method of shape capture of the lower limb by conducting online focus group discussions in which you can express your opinions around this topic.

Capturing the right anatomical shape of prosthetic and orthotic patients is crucial for the development of comfortable and efficient lower limb devices. But what influences clinician’s decisions on which method to use?  To better understand this  clinical decision making we would like to ask those at the frontlines of patient care!

Have your say! In this study we want to know your thoughts on your preferred method of shape capture of the lower limb by conducting online focus group discussions in which you can express your opinions around this topic.

🥼 If getting it right is so crucial, why do clinicians opt for one method over another?

🌍 Open to fully qualified Prosthetists and Orthotists around the globe

🎓 Open to final year University of Salford and Strathclyde students

👩🏻‍💻 Discussions will last between 45-60 minutes

🤫 Results will be anonymised

📧 For more information or to express your interest in participating please contact: daniela.oyarzun-ulloa.2022@uni.strath.ac.uk