Orto Medical Care presents technological innovations that “improve the quality of life of millions of people.” This has been announced by Spanish Federation of Orthotists and Prosthetists (FEDOP), organizer of this IX edition of the Fair which is held in Ifema (Madrid) from March 8 to 10, 2023.
In Spain it is estimated that there are more than four million people who suffer from physical disabilities, and a high percentage need the services of orthotists and prosthetists. “Their work is increasingly necessary due to the aging of the population, the increase in chronicity and disability”, they have indicated from FEDOP.
Orto Medical Care
Nearly 13,000 professional visitors are expected during these three days at the Parque Ferial de Madrid facilities, both to attend the Congress and the Fair. The former Ministers of Health have intervened at the inauguration of Orto Medical Care Ana Pastor, second vice-president of the Congress of Deputies, and Maria Luisa Carcedo, Deputy for Asturias in the Congress of Deputies. They have also participated in the opening ceremony Enrique Ruiz Escudero, Minister of Health of the Community of Madrid; Pablo Martín Perez Aragundi, president of FEDOP, and Stephen Junquera, President of the Organizing Committee.
Visibility of the prosthetics and orthotics sector
The Federation wants this meeting to serve to highlight the work of prosthetics and orthotics within the National Health System. “It is the great unknown of the health professions”, according to FEDOP, which has also highlighted that the manufacturing companies carry out a great deal of research and investment for the development of new products.
Hugh Herr, bionics expert
The Orto Medical Care program includes a keynote address by the engineer Hugh Herr, Princess of Asturias Award for Research and Technique in 2016, who will speak on Friday about the design of bionic devices that emulate the function of the extremities.
Other outstanding topics of the Congress are the orthotic treatment of spasticity, the materials of the prostheses or postural control in neurological pathologies. The technical-scientific program also offers round tables and workshops to present the main innovations in the sector.
Technological advances
Among the technological advances presented at the Fair, the prostheses with pattern control that emulate the function of the extremities stand out. Chairs with standing and standing frames for children are also presented to improve body development. In recent times, novelties in manufacturing techniques have also been presented, as well as personalized designs.