Ottobock has developed mobile container solutions for the Turkish crisis region in order to provide as many earthquake victims as possible with prostheses and orthoses as quickly and professionally as possible. In Nieuwkuijk, the Netherlands, Ottobock Equipment has equipped a workshop container using the latest technology. Together with a modernly equipped Patient Care container, he is embarking on his long journey from Duderstadt to Adana today. “By working together with the Ottobock branch in Istanbul with central fabrication, we are creating an optimal infrastructure for all-round medical technology fittings,” explains Dominik Diedrich, Business Development Manager Planning, Equipping & Materials.

Fully digitalised treatment in the Patient Care container

With a length of over six metres, the Patient Care container offers sufficient space to fit up to two patients at the same time – quickly, accurately fitting and fully digitalised. Equipped with the TF Design software as a digital alternative to the classic plaster casting technique, the MyFit TT scanning and modelling software and two scanners, O&P professionals can record data for a quick initial fitting with just a few clicks.

After virtual product configuration in the Patient Care container, iFab Production in Istanbul can use the available data to mill custom foam models, vacuum form sockets and align the prosthesis. The fitting takes place back in the patient container. In the next step, the O&P professional can make small corrections or adjustments in the workshop container. At the same time, they also find the ideal environment for fabricating sockets using the traditional plaster casting technique. Thanks to its water connection and sanitary facilities, the Patient Care container meets the highest standards of hygiene.

State-of-the-art mobile workshop

The workshop container, also six metres in length, was equipped at the state-of-the-art Ottobock Equipment production site in Nieuwkuijk. “In order to be able to act as quickly as possible, we organised a container and immediately available machines,” Dominik Diedrich explains. In detail, this includes the following equipment: two workbenches, a PROS.A. Assembly for prosthetic alignment, a socket router, a convection oven, two mobile vacuum pumps for vacuum forming and laminating as well as corresponding tools. Like the Patient Care container, it offers space for two fittings. An integrated generator ensures the power supply in the workshop container.

Take a look inside the containers.

Optimal location

After a journey of around 3.200 kilometres, the containers are expected to arrive at their destination on 15 May. “In cooperation with the Turkish Ministry of Health, we have found the ideal environment for our containers on the premises of the training and research hospital in Adana,” explains Dominik Diedrich. “In close dialogue with the hospital, we are able to provide patients with medical technology after their inpatient treatment in our containers.” The goal is to start with the first prosthesis in mid-May.

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