Orthopaedics industry sees growing demand

The orthopaedics industry is seeing an increase in demand for aids such as prostheses, orthoses and wheelchairs. "This is due to an ageing society, chronic illnesses, the desire for mobility and participation into old age, but also the consequences of accidents from everyday life, work and leisure," a spokeswoman for the German Association of Orthopaedic Technology told the German Press Agency.

According to statistics, a quarter of people with statutory health insurance in Germany require aids such as prostheses, orthoses, supports, compression stockings, insoles or wheelchairs every year. The statutory health insurance funds would have spent almost ten billion euros on these in 2024.

This area is not a cost driver for statutory health insurance, said the spokeswoman for the association's executive committee. "The development of expenditure has been below average for years." The industry is warning of cuts to reimbursements as part of the planned healthcare reform by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU).

Trade fair in Leipzig

The industry will meet at the leading international trade fair OTWorld in Leipzig from May 19 to 22. According to the organizers, more than 20,000 trade visitors from 96 countries attended two years ago. This time, around 570 companies from 40 countries will be showcasing their innovations. In addition, more than 300 speakers from more than 30 countries will discuss current developments.

The German Association of Orthopaedic Technology represents more than 4,500 medical supply stores and specialized workshops with around 48,000 employees.