Rehabilitologist Konstantin Ternovoy analyzed the case of figure skater Roman Kostomarov and noted that the rehabilitation of the arms tends to be longer and more demanding than that of the legs. He explained that the hands present unique challenges, with prosthetic options requiring careful consideration, a longer recovery timeline, and higher costs. In Ternovoy’s view, completing the full healing process for the upper limbs often involves more intricate work, because the hands are finely tuned instruments that demand precise fitting, muscular retraining, and adaptable prosthetic solutions to restore as much function as possible. The overall rehabilitation journey is therefore an individualized process that must account for the specific injuries, the person’s baseline condition, and the goals they hope to achieve on the ice and in daily life.
“You have to understand that hand prostheses are much harder, longer and more expensive. The rehabilitation of the hands is lengthier and more difficult. In Kostomarov’s case, addressing the same injury pattern in the legs while the arms require separate treatment areas creates additional layers of complexity”, Ternovoy said. He emphasized that upper-limb rehabilitation often involves specialized exercises to regain fine motor skills, grip strength, and dexterity, alongside ongoing adjustments to prosthetic designs. The medical team must balance the pace of recovery with the patient’s emotional and physical readiness, ensuring that progress in one area does not outpace the other. This delicate balance is crucial for achieving a functional outcome that supports both sport-specific demands and everyday activities.
Prosthesis selection is an individualized process. In Kostomarov’s situation, the timeline for selecting and fitting devices hinges on how quickly the hands can achieve a stable, healed state and how well the patient tolerates the devices during therapy. Medical professionals typically monitor healing milestones, skin integrity, and the subject’s adaptiveness to the prosthetic interface before committing to a final solution. The process may extend over several weeks, with ongoing assessments and potential revisions to accommodate changes in muscle strength, range of motion, and overall comfort. Such tailoring helps maximize the chances of a successful return to competitive skating while preserving long-term limb health and function.
On the ice show front, Kostomarov appeared with his wife at an event that celebrated affectionate sentiments and athletic artistry. The performance, featuring a program titled Love Letters by a renowned choreographer, showcased a moment of resilience and devotion amid the pressures of elite sport. The appearance underscored the support system surrounding the athlete and the public interest in stories of recovery and perseverance that resonate with fans across the figure skating community. These public appearances often serve to highlight the human side of athletes, offering encouragement while inviting discussion about rehabilitation milestones and future prospects in a high-demand sport.
Earlier that winter, Kostomarov faced serious health challenges following New Year performances at an outdoor show. Reports indicated a critical condition, with intensive care interventions required. The diagnosis involved pneumonia and respiratory support, prompting a transition to advanced life-sustaining procedures. As his treatment progressed, the medical team monitored organ function and systemic responses, striving to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications. The case drew attention to the complexity of managing severe illness in athletes whose careers rely on peak physical conditioning, and it sparked conversations about medical options, recovery timelines, and the potential for regaining competitive form after such aislating health events.
During the treatment phase, both lower extremities and upper limbs underwent significant surgical decisions, with efforts aimed at preserving function and enabling mobility. The medical team carefully evaluated the risks and benefits of limb preservation versus amputation in order to optimize recovery trajectories and long-term quality of life. The evolving plan centered on reestablishing independence in daily tasks, enabling safe ambulation, and gradually reintroducing therapeutic activities that support endurance, balance, and coordination. This period highlighted the hard realities of medical decision-making in the face of complex injuries and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that aligns surgical outcomes with rehabilitation objectives.
Formerly a prominent voice in the skating community, Tatyana Tarasova offered comments that were interpreted as a beacon of encouragement for Kostomarov. Her outlook suggested that the experiences and strength gained through this journey could become an additional source of fortitude, helping him face the road ahead with determination. Tarasova’s reflections underscored the broader theme that athletes facing serious health setbacks often draw strength from mentors, peers, and supporters who understand the demands of high-performance sports. This support network tends to play a pivotal role in sustaining motivation during long periods of rehabilitation and in visualizing a path back to the ice.