Rehabilitologist and traumatologist-orthopedist Konstantin Ternovoy addressed rumors about foreign specialists from Germany potentially helping fit prosthetics for Roman Kostomarov, the 2006 Olympic ice dancing champion who has faced serious health challenges. He explained that the question goes beyond individual doctors. The key issue is the absence of a robust domestic industry for custom prostheses in Russia. Without a mature production ecosystem, even highly skilled foreign clinicians would struggle to find devices containing the exact specifications needed for Kostomarov. The expert noted that the problem is not about expertise alone but about having a reliable supply chain and manufacturing capacity within the country that can consistently produce a prosthesis tailored to Kostomarov’s unique physiology.
Ternovoy suggested that German specialists might be invited because their prosthesis production is notably advanced. He emphasized that transporting Kostomarov abroad is not advisable at this stage, whereas it would be feasible for experts to visit him to conduct assessments and oversee fitting on site. This approach could help ensure the prosthetics meet his precise requirements while minimizing safety risks associated with long-distance travel for a patient in a critical condition, according to sports24 coverage of the situation.
Earlier reports from Sport-Express had already indicated the possibility of foreign doctors traveling to Kostomarov to bring and adapt prosthetic devices for him, highlighting ongoing discussions about the best path forward for his rehabilitation. The sequence of events began on January 10, when Kostomarov was hospitalized and placed in intensive care due to pneumonia, with ventilation support reported as being necessary during a period of extreme severity.
Subsequently, the athlete was moved to a hospital in Kommunarka, where he underwent resuscitation and was connected to ECMO therapy. Media updates noted that Kostomarov had undergone multiple surgical procedures in response to the illness’s severe consequences, including the removal of some limbs. In light of this evolving medical picture, preparations for prosthetic surgery have continued, with medical teams evaluating the most suitable options to restore mobility and independence for the skater. The ongoing planning takes into account Kostomarov’s overall health trajectory, the underlying condition prompting ECMO support, and the potential for future rehabilitation milestones that could enhance his quality of life during recovery.