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Issue 2014 | 1
magazine
international
To shoulder
the world
Protection to suit
the indication
page 12
The foot – both a tool and a
means of compensation
“The system helps us stand out
on the market”
Olympic Winter Games 2014
in Sochi
Strains during sporting activities and
treatment with foot orthoses Page 22
Perfectly fitting compression stockings with Bodytronic 600
Page 32
Athletes are very grateful for
Bauerfeind support
Page 36
SUPPORTS AND ORTHOSES
The shoulder in focus
SecuTec® Omo
OmoLoc®
Functional stabilizing orthosis for
immobilization of the shoulder joint
Stabilizing orthosis for immobilization
of the shoulder joint
Motion is Life: www.bauerfeind.com
OmoTrain®
Active support for early functional
treatment of the shoulder joint
EDITORIAL
Pictures: Bauerfeind
more about the use of PRP (platelet-rich
about our involvement in the Sochi Olympics
from page 36 onward.
plasma), a biostimulation method that uses
autologous blood and the body’s own plasma,
Having a good product available is one thing,
by a physician in the USA (p. 18). You can
but it can only be used to its full effect if an
also discover how patellar instabilities are
experienced orthotist explains how it should
treated in an interview with a physician
be applied and adapts it as required. Our
from England (p. 20), travel to this year’s
Olympic experience once again underlined
football World Cup host nation Brazil with
our quality concept: if you combine highly
Bauerfeind life (p. 6), learn more about the
effective products
use of ­Bauerfeind’s
with orthotic exBodytronic 600 mea“If you combine highly effective
pertise, the result is
surement system in
products with orthotic expertise, top-quality care. And
Switzerland (p. 32)
what applies to elite
and much more.
the result is top-quality care.”
Dear Readers,
athletes goes for any
other sports enthusiInternational events
gather the whole world together in one small ast or patient too: if the manufacturer, the
You don’t have to have the weight of the
physician and the orthotist all work to the
world on your shoulders to develop shoulder place – and the 22nd Winter Olympic Games
same high standard of medical care, together
problems. The structure of the shoulder joint in the Russian city of Sochi was no excepmakes it very susceptible to complex comtion. Bauerfeind AG served as a partner of an we can achieve maximum success in helping
to restore people’s mobility and make them
plaints. This is why we are currently focusing Olympic organizing committee for the third
feel good again.
on the topic of shoulder problems and how
time and formed part of the central medito treat them in this magazine. From page 12 cal care system at the Games. In 2014 we
onward, you can read about the experiences treated more athletes from various different With warm regards,
physicians have had with our new shoulder
countries than ever. Our orthotists on site
products, SecuTec Omo and OmoLoc.
received a great deal of gratitude from the
athletes and recognition from the physicians
This issue of Bauerfeind life international
and physiotherapists. This makes us all very
Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind
will also take you on a world tour: find out
proud, and rightly so. You can find out more
life magazine 2014/1
3
CONTENTS
Focus
IMPRINT:
Bauerfeind life Magazine
International Edition
Printed on chlorine-free paper
page 12
Shoulder therapy
The shape, method of control , and degree
of freedom of the shoulder are fundamentally different from those of other major
joints of the body, because the shoulder
is mainly made up of soft tissue. However, structures controlled by muscles
are prone to complex complaints. A new
stabilizing orthosis can help with modern
shoulder treatment.
Editor:
Bauerfeind AG
Triebeser Straße 16
07937 Zeulenroda-Triebes, Germany
Tel. +49(0)36628-66-1000
[email protected]
www.bauerfeind.com
Responsible:
Simone Gebler, Christian Grimm
Publisher and editorial office:
mk publishing GmbH
Döllgaststraße 7–9
86199 Augsburg, Germany
Tel. +49(0)821-34457-0
[email protected]
www.mkpublishing.de
4
life magazine 2014/1
Title image
The full-size statue of Atlas
shown in this photograph can be
admired in its position on the top
of Linderhof Palace in Bavaria,
Germany.
Pictures: picture alliance/Arco Images GmbH/J. De Meester (Title), Conny Kurz, Bauerfeind, Romel Janeski, www.momentfotografi.dk
Shoulder therapy: Protection to suit the indication – p. 12
CONTENTS
Sporting activities and foot orthoses – p. 22 A one-stop shop for quality – p. 30
Measurement system Bodytronic 600 – p. 32 2014 Winter Olympics – p. 36
Focus
page 12
12Protection to suit the indication
The weight of the world is on your
shoulders
15SecuTec Omo and OmoLoc
For strong shoulders
3Editorial
4Imprint
6Moments
8 News
39 Service
26Compression stocking compliance
Life insurance for legs
28Treatment of lymphedema
“There is still a lot of work to do”
30 FysioDanmark
A one-stop shop for quality
16Experiences of using the SecuTec Omo
A look over the shoulder
35Bauerfeind’s support for research
International scientists honored
Medical
Trade & Technics
page 18
page 32
18 Orthohealing Center, Los Angeles
Innovative, non-surgical orthopedic
treatments accelerate recovery
32Bodytronic 600 measurement system
“The system helps us stand out on the
market”
20 Treating patella instability
“The importance of getting it right
from the beginning”
In Motion
22Strains during sporting activities and
treatment with foot orthoses
The foot – both a tool and a means of
compensation
23 New ErgoPad foot orthoses for sport
A powerful trio
24 Fisio 1 Fisioterapia, Rio de Janeiro
A holistic approach
page 36
362014 Winter Olympics
Bauerfeind’s service in high demand
37First International Sports Medicine
Conference
Professional diversity
38Orthopedic technology in Sochi
Consolidated expertise
38Bauerfeind Austria
Theory and practice in the
Arlberg region
life magazine 2014/1
5
Picture: picture-alliance/augenklick/Laci Perenyi
MOMENTS
6
life magazine 2014/1
MOMENTS
Football fever grips Brazil
Football is practically a religion in Brazil. It is therefore no wonder that this South American country, whose
men’s national team has won the World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), claims to be the
most successful footballing nation in the world. At the forthcoming World Cup, which is due to take place
from June 12 to July 13, 2014, spectators in the stadia and in front of TV screens can look forward to seeing
not only some (hopefully) top-quality games, but also colorful , vibrant crowds of local fans – a familiar sight
already from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The team from the Bauerfeind store in São Paulo is also
gripped by World Cup fever and is eagerly anticipating the chance to provide sports enthusiasts from all over
†
the world with Bauerfeind products.
life magazine 2014/17
NEWS
Zambrano Hellion Hospital , Mexico
Patients benefit from Bauerfeind products
The Zambrano Hellion Hospital is one of the most important
and best-known hospitals, not only in the city of Monterrey,
but throughout Mexico. 17 traumatologists and orthopedic
surgeons with a wide range of specialties work in its Institute
of Orthopedics and Traumatology. The physicians also treat a
number of elite athletes, including some of Mexico’s Olympic
team. The Institute has a close relationship with the Ignacio
A. Santos School of Medicine, the medical school division of
the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education
(ITESM) in Monterrey, which is the most reputable private
higher education system in Mexico. It also maintains a relationship with the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), the
second biggest public university in Mexico.
Since the start of the year, Endocat (Bauerfeind’s local partner)
has been supplying the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology with Bauerfeind products. The aim is to support the rehabilitation of patients and athletes, to relieve pain, and to enable
early functional training. Currently, over 20 Bauerfeind products
are already available from a sales center in the Institute, from
†
compression stockings to supports and orthoses. Zambrano Hellion Hospital in Monterrey, Mexico.
Spinova Classic
The name says it all: the Spinova Classic combines modern
features with tried-and-tested design for stabilizing the lumbar
spine. Each version of this product is based on the innovative
support made from an elastic mesh material with integrated
corset stays. The support lightly wraps around the center of the
body and compresses the abdomen. Force is applied by means of
a classic strap system, aided by Velcro straps.
The new range includes four orthoses with different functional
elements. Spinova Stabi Classic stabilizes and relieves the lumbar spine using the integrated corset stays.
The Spinova Unload Classic version reduces lordosis in the
lumbar spine with a bridging frame, while the Spinova Support
Plus Classic instead uses an anatomically contoured back pad to
support the lumbar lordosis.
Spinova Immo Plus Classic provides the greatest relief for the
lumbar spine. It immobilizes the lumbar vertebra using a shell
around the torso. The bridging frame, the pads or the shell can
each be removed during the mobilization phase.
†
For more information, see www.bauerfeind.com.
Above: Spinova Stabi Classic stabilizes and relieves
the lumbar spine using the integrated corset stays.
Below: Spinova Support Plus Classic uses an
anatomically contoured back pad to support the
lumbar lordosis.
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life magazine 2014/1
Pictures: Zambrano Hellion Hospital , Bauerfeind
New lumbar orthoses with a classic
strap system
NEWS
VenoTrain act
Modern support stockings for preventive care
High quality, an attractive look and maximum comfort – these characteristics are synonymous with the VenoTrain brand and its range of medical compression stockings. With the
new “VenoTrain act” line, this range now also includes over-the-counter support stockings for preventive care. Customers can choose between three different material qualities. Designed for health-conscious women, the “Sheer elegance” version is available as
knee-high or thigh-high stockings or as pantyhose, with a fashionable 70 or 140 denier
sheer finish and in seven sophisticated colors. The “Cotton active” version is a classic
unisex knee-high stocking with a high cotton content and a distinctive ribbed look. This
280 denier stocking offers excellent support. The third version, “Microfiber active,” contains a high proportion of microfibers. This attractive knee-high stocking, which is suitable for both men and women, offers a comfort feature that is also characteristic of many
other VenoTrain products: even with its highly supportive 280 denier design, the stocking
is exceptionally soft and gentle on the skin. In warmer weather, the breathable material
feels pleasantly light and soothing.Recommended for people whose work involves spending time on their feet or long journeys, VenoTrain act is presented by medical retailers as
†
an attractive lifestyle product with modern, fresh-looking packaging. ManuTrain
Wrist support now features new seam position
ManuTrain: more comfort with every movement of the hand.
For increased flexibility when gripping, the position of the
ManuTrain’s seam has been changed. The wrist support’s joining
seam is now on the bottom at the side and runs toward the ulna,
along the volar hand splint. This means that the knitted fabric
adapts more easily to the space between the thumb and the
index finger, and the sensitive area is protected from irritation
during gripping movements. The new seam position allows
more freedom of movement and therefore more dexterity in
everyday life. This makes the support more convenient to wear
on a daily basis, which is a definite comfort in the treatment of
osteoarthritis and irritation, and following injuries, because the
ManuTrain’s circular compression stabilizes the painful wrist and
†
protects it from overloading. VenoTrain business Men and Women
Feel the difference
The VenoTrain business knee-high stocking is now available in two versions, Men and Women, with different foot lengths. The compression stocking with a classic ribbed look complements an understated business look
perfectly and provides functional comfort throughout your working day. It
stimulates the circulation, supporting you through long days. The stocking is comfortable to wear and keeps your feet fresh with its antimicrobial
sole. Previously used primarily as a men’s or unisex stocking, the fit now
also takes the small difference between the genders into account: the Men
version is designed for shoe sizes from 41 to 49, while the Women version,
with a shorter foot , is recommended for shoe sizes from 36 to 41. The two
versions are distinguished by the packaging design with a masculine or
feminine product image, the packaging label , and the sewn-in label on the
†
stocking itself.
VenoTrain business in different foot lengths
for men and women.
life magazine 2014/19
NEWS
Viña del Mar, Chile
First Bodytronic 600 in South America
In February 2013, the first ever Bauerfeind Boutique in Chile was opened in
Viña del Mar, in Greater Valparaíso, and by the end of the year, the Bauerfeind Bodytronic 600 measurement system was already installed there, the
first in the whole of South America. The Bodytronic 600 makes it possible
to take digital body and volume measurements for tailor-made care using
VenoTrain compression stockings and supports to treat the knee and ankle.
“Products that fit perfectly are a fundamental requirement for providing the
best possible treatment and ensuring a high level of patient and physician
satisfaction. Thanks to modern measurement technology, the Bauerfeind
Boutique in Viña del Mar is setting new standards in the quality of care,”
says Alejandro Giletto, International Sales Manager Latin America and
†
Canada at Bauerfeind. Sales Manager Alejandro Giletto and Dr. Gerd Ebert , Bauerfeind
Measurement Technology, with Viviana Valle and Julio Chaparro
Abarca from the Bauerfeind Boutique in Viña del Mar (f. l.).
LumboLoc & LordoLoc
Now available with micro Velcro fastenings
Lumbar orthosis LordoLoc with new
micro Velcro fastenings.
With the advantages it offers, it is no wonder we stick with micro Velcro: not
only are micro Velcro fastenings easy to open and close, but once they are
closed they can also withstand a high level of force. Micro Velcro fastenings
are also very flat and barely noticeable. Orthoses and supports with this
kind of fastening can therefore be worn underneath your clothes without
any problems. The LumboLoc and LordoLoc lumbar orthoses can now offer
these advantages in wearing comfort too: like all other back products from
Bauerfeind, the abdominal fastenings on both these products and the tensioning straps on the LordoLoc now feature micro Velcro. These two orthoses
are made of elastic, breathable material that feels pleasant to wear. They
†
stabilize and relieve the lumbar spine and alleviate pain. VenoTrain curaflow
The VenoTrain curaflow flat-knit compression products are now available in
a bold blue “Navy” tone in addition to the existing colors of “cream,” “caramel” and “black.” The VenoTrain curaflow range offers tailor-made solutions for treating lymphedema and lipedema in the leg, toes, arm, hand and
thorax. The extended color palette is not the only new feature, however;
improvements have been made to the quality of the leg stockings too.
The type of knit and elasticity have been modified to ensure that they fit
perfectly and are easy to put on. The standard stockings now come with an
“anatomically contoured knee,” a “soft toe” and, in the pantyhose version,
a new gusset that feels more comfortable to wear. All of the compression
products have an exceptionally high microfiber content , which makes them
particularly soft and breathable. They are easy to put on and help reduce
shearing forces, making them extremely gentle on sensitive skin. The new
design of the VenoTrain curaflow products is intended to create a more
pleasant therapeutic experience for patients and make it easier for them
†
to wear compression products on a regular basis. 10
life magazine 2014/1
VenoTrain curaflow is now available in “Navy”.
Pictures: Bauerfeind, Paul Darrow/Darrow Multimedia
Lymph therapy takes on a new tone
DIARY DATES
Halifax Mooseheads therapist relies on Bauerfeind
“The players like the ’fit and feel‘
of the Train-knit”
Ice hockey is all about being fast and physical. It is certainly
not a sport for the faint-hearted, so it is no wonder that ice hockey
players are constantly having to struggle with injuries.
TRADE FAIRS AND EVENTS
May 2014
May 12 – 14, 2014
18th European Vascular Course, Maastricht.
Further information: www.vascular-course.
com/european-vascular-course
May 13 – 16, 2014
OTworld, Leipzig, Germany. Further
information: http://ot-world.com
May 14 – 17, 2014
16th ESSKA Congress, Amsterdam,
The Netherlands. Further information:
www.esska-congress.org
May 21 – 24, 2014
EXPOSANITA, Bologna, Italy. Further
information: www.senaf.it/Expo-Sanita
June 2014
June 04 – 06, 2014
15th EFORT Congress, London, England.
Further information: www.efort.org
Athletic therapist Diane Quimet is closely following a game of her team, the Halifax Mooseheads.
When it comes to treatment and rehabilitation, Diane Quimet has been relying on Bauerfeind products for around two years now.
She is a Certified Athletic Therapist for the
Halifax Mooseheads, a Canadian professional
junior ice hockey team from Halifax, Nova
Scotia, that currently plays in the Quebec
Major Junior Hockey League (www.halifaxmooseheads.ca). She has already provided
quite a few players with supports “Made in
Germany.”
“The players really like the ‘fit and feel’ of
the Train knit , especially the GenuTrain, and
GenuTrain S for the knee,” says Diane Quimet.
Did you know ...
June 26 – 28, 2014
“Compared to some other products we’ve
15th Congress of the European Venous
tried in the past , they are not nearly as hot.
Forum, Paris, France. Further information:
The players don’t feel they sweat as much
www.europeanvenousforum.org
under the support – great breathability!” Yet
how does wearing a GenuTrain support affect
players’ freedom of movement during a game?
“That’s been one of the larger benefits – it fits September 2014
really well under their gear, and doesn’t ‘get
in the way’ of their normal play,” says Diane
September 18 – 20, 2014
Quimet. “That’s very important to players at
Rehabilitacja, Łódź, Poland. Further inforthis level!” Diane Quimet also has some permation: www.rehabilitacja.interservis.pl
sonal experience of using the SofTec Genu –
she wears this orthosis for hiking and playing
†
football.
September 25 – 27, 2014
40th Congress of the European Society
of Lymphology, Genoa, Italy. Further
information: www.esl2014.com
... that Canada is regarded as the home of modern ice hockey? It supposedly stems from
the Scottish sport of shinty, which was introduced to Canada by British soldiers in the
mid-19th century. In the wintry Canadian climate, the game was soon transferred onto
ice. The first rules of ice hockey are said to have been developed by students from Montreal. Nowadays ice hockey is Canada’s national sport , attracting far more spectators than
basketball or any other sport.
November 2014
November 12 – 15, 2014
MEDICA, Düsseldorf, Germany. Further
information: www.medica-tradefair.com
life magazine 2014/111
Pictures: www.shutterstock.com/Sebastian Kaulitzki, Conny Kurz
FOCUS
12
life magazine 2014/1
FOCUS
Protection to suit the indication
The weight of the world
is on your shoulders
The shape, method of control , and degree of freedom of the shoulder
are fundamentally different from those of other major joints of the
body, because the shoulder is mainly made up of soft tissue. However,
structures controlled by muscles are prone to complex complaints.
A new stabilizing orthosis can help with modern shoulder treatment.
Prof. Dr.
Peter Müller,
Ludwig Maximilian University,
Munich, Germany.
Atlas lifted the entire celestial sphere onto
his shoulders. The myths do not mention
whether he felt pain when doing this.
Current evidence shows that present-day
humans often complain of pain, sometimes
after performing even small tasks above
their heads such as painting the ceiling. This sensitivity is due to the complex
architecture of the shoulder. Its structure
and function are mainly determined by
muscles. Whole bundles of strands give the
joint movement radii unlike any other. “In
principle, the shoulders allow the fingers to
reach every part of the body,” says Professor Dr. med. Peter Müller from the Munich
university clinic in Großhadern. The shoulder’s ability to rotate through a wide angle
and the associated freedom of movement
comes at a price, however. “The rotator cuff
that controls it is prone to degeneration
and injury,” says the Deputy Director of the
clinic and polyclinic for orthopedics, physi-
cal medicine, and rehabilitation. “In the
long run, the shoulder’s soft tissue frame can
have an extremely detrimental effect on its
function.”
The muscle-controlled shoulder not only
provides maximum freedom of movement ,
but also strength and stability for the arm
and hand – for sliding, lifting, pulling,
pushing, squeezing, and reaching. But what
happens when these functions suffer, when
muscles and tendons are worn? Or when
injuries occur?
Tender muscles and irritated tendons
The orthopedist from Munich links typical
shoulder disorders to the age of the main
patient groups. In younger people, the most
common disorders are dislocated shoulders
due to instability and sports injuries or
damage such as SLAP* lesions of the biceps
tendon (e.g. during ice hockey). Separated
shoulders caused by accidents are also common. In older patients, shoulder joint fractures due to osteoporosis are more frequent.
However, the vast majority of complaints
concern the soft tissue. The most common
disorder is degenerative damage to the
rotator cuff. The group of four large muscles
is the stabilizer of the shoulder. It controls
and centers the joint. And wears down. “Up
to eighty percent of eighty-year-olds have
rotator cuff tear,” says the physician from
the Ludwig Maximilian University.
>>> life magazine 2014/1
13
FOCUS
The SecuTec Omo holds the arm securely in the abduction position.
A choice of any abduction angle
The variety and complexity of shoulder
disorders require a wide range of therapeutic
approaches. Recently, great advances have
been made thanks to arthroscopy. “We have
only been able to discover certain pathologies such as SLAP lesions using this techno­
logy,” explains Prof. Müller. “When we repair
the injured or torn biceps tendon, it is essential to safeguard the surgical outcome immediately.” To avoid jeopardizing the healing
process, the natural tension of the tendons
and muscles must be significantly reduced.
This also applies to rotator cuff surgery. In
order to relieve the muscles, the arm must be
held at a certain abduction angle with the
aid of an orthosis. This angle differs depending on the surgical procedure. A smaller
abduction angle is required for single-row
tendon treatment than for double-row treatment. The problem is that the angle can only
rarely be adjusted precisely. Often relatively
broad locking positions are provided. This
14
life magazine 2014/1
is not the case with the recently developed
SecuTec Omo stabilizing orthosis from Bauerfeind. It provides the option of selecting any
abduction angle up to 60 degrees. The arm
support can also be rotated to any abduction
angle at the touch of a button. The rotation can also be restricted as appropriate if
required by the treatment program.
A line of treatment from the shoulder to
the arm and hand
The shoulder, and by extension the hand,
especially require customized treatment.
Bulky orthoses are often more of a hindrance
than a help. This is another reason why
Bauerfeind decided to launch an orthosis
that provides treatment to suit the indication, but also gives patients the freedom
they require in everyday life. “The SecuTec
Omo underwent clinical testing in our
department ,” says Prof. Müller. For the clinician, the crucial factor was the ability to
safeguard the surgical outcome without any
compromise. “The option of selecting any
abduction angle meant that individual protection was ensured from the start ,” he says.
According to the physician, the absence of
a contralateral shoulder strap is another im-
portant advantage of the SecuTec Omo. “The
arm rests on a frame that is supported by the
pelvic girdle. The patient does not need to
be moved to put it on, providing immediate
security after surgery. Wearing it cannot create tension in the neck later on.”
Freedom in the treatment program and
everyday life
“The arm belongs to me again” – this type of
personal experience was expressed by Prof.
Müller’s patients who were already familiar
with other shoulder products before trying
out the SecuTec Omo. This came as no surprise to Prof. Müller: “The orthosis fits easily
into everyday life, meaning that patients see
it as a real help and not a foreign object.”
It does not even need to be taken off for
X-rays. In follow-up treatment , the rotation function enables physiotherapy to be
carried out using the orthosis. The orthosis
is relatively convenient to wear at night.
All these features also satisfy the clinician:
“A shoulder that has undergone soft tissue
surgery needs its time to heal. It also needs
† an aid that is actually worn.”
* SLAP = superior labral tear from anterior to posterior
Pictures: Conny Kurz, Bauerfeind
>>> “When the muscles and tendons of
the cuff can no longer center the shoulder
reliably, it can lead to osteoarthritis of the
shoulder,” says Prof. Müller.
FOCUS
SecuTec Omo and OmoLoc
For strong shoulders
Whether used post-operatively for shoulder injuries or post-traumatically after a
dislocated shoulder, the new SecuTec Omo and OmoLoc stabilizing orthoses, which
have been available since last fall , secure, relieve, and stabilize the injured joint.
Using the new SecuTec Omo stabilizing
orthosis, the shoulder joint can be immobilized securely after surgery in accordance
with indication. Holding the arm in an
abduction position relieves the tendinous
bands. Reducing the load on the tendons
safeguards the surgical outcome, promotes
healing, and relieves pain. A multifunctional
joint enables two settings of the functional
stabilizing orthosis to be adjusted so that
the arm can be positioned appropriately. The
abduction angle can be adjusted freely up
to 60°. The arm can be rotated inward and/
or outward regardless of the selected angle,
and this rotation can be controlled at the
touch of a button. The rotation can also be
limited if necessary. The arm support has
been detached to save space and increase
comfort. The arm support rests firmly on the
pelvic frame. The angle of the pelvic frame
can be adjusted to fit the patient’s body
shape. Resting the arm support on the pelvic frame means that there is no need for a
shoulder strap. This avoids incorrect posture
and the related tension that occurs in the
healthy shoulder.
SecuTec Omo indications
• Reconstruction following a rotator
cuff tear
• Shoulder prosthesis implant
• SLAP lesion
• Subcapital humerus fracture
• AC rupture
• Shoulder dislocation
Emergency arm sling
Another new addition to the Bauerfeind
product range for the shoulder is the
OmoLoc stabilizing orthosis. It is used
for immobilizing the joint immediately
after surgery or after resetting a dislocated shoulder. The orthosis, made up of
a pelvic/abdominal strap and three arm
loops, holds the arm in the zero-degree
abduction position. The arm loops can
be positioned freely along the abdominal
strap to suit the patient’s body size and
forearm length. The elbow is kept bent
at an angle of 90-100 degrees. Restricting movement reduces pain and provides
protection after surgery. The orthosis
can be put on easily, both by the physician after surgery and by patients themselves, and it can also be worn at night.
The OmoLoc’s construction ensures
stability even without a contralateral
shoulder strap. Its open design makes
it easier to maintain personal hygiene,
†
particularly around the wound. OmoLoc indications
• Immobilization following surgery
• Shoulder dislocation
SecuTec Omo: functional stabilizing
orthosis for immobilization of the shoulder
joint with two settings.
OmoLoc: stabilizing
orthosis for immobilization of the shoulder
joint following surgery
or dislocation.
For further information
on the shoulder products, visit www.bauerfeind.com.
life magazine 2014/1
15
FOCUS
Experiences of using the SecuTec Omo
A look over the shoulder
The interplay of muscles and bones is what attracts him: Dr. med. Jaap Willems
has dedicated himself entirely to the shoulder joint. The Dutch physician performs
both arthroscopy and arthroplasty. A newcomer to his “biotope” recently began
helping him with both categories of patients: the SecuTec Omo.
Particular anatomical conditions
The new orthosis is extremely well adapted
to the unusual conditions in its environment. It can securely immobilize the
shoulder joint after surgery in accordance
with the indication. Holding the arm in a
fixed abduction position relieves the tendons. Reducing the tension on the tendons
safeguards the surgical outcome, promotes
healing, and relieves pain. However, before
Dr. Willems describes his initial personal observations about the newcomer, he roughly
maps out the “shoulder habitat”, which is
involved in constant medical changes. “The
shoulder joint is the most mobile joint in the
human body,” says the expert , introducing
the topic. “Its extensive range of movement
is due to particular anatomical conditions.
Compared to the socket , the head of the
humerus is very large at the scapula and the
joint capsule is quite broad.” According to
Dr. Willems, the surrounding ligaments only
provide limited stability for the joint. It is
the rotator cuff muscles that are primar16
life magazine 2014/1
ily responsible for stabilizing the shoulder.
Failure of these tendons is a frequent cause
of pain and loss of function in the older
population.
A bone problem
In the past , the importance of the soft tissues in controlling the shoulder may have
led physicians to neglect the role played by
the bone structures in shoulder complaints.
“We are currently reconsidering this,” says
Dr. Willems. “We frequently have a bone
problem in shoulder instability. We are now
learning to reconstruct the bones in the
joint , when either the head or the joint
cavity has eroded due to recurrent dislocations.”
Another frequent problem is osteoarthritis
of the shoulder. “In addition to arthroscopic
surgery on the shoulder, which makes up
around 80 percent of procedures, I perform
about 50 arthroplasty operations each year.
However, the fact remains that shoulder disorders are usually muscle and tendon problems.” Dr. Willems roughly assigns common
shoulder disorders to different age groups:
“In 20 to 40-year-olds, the most common
disorder is instability, which can lead to
dislocation. 40 to 60-year-olds mainly suffer
from rotator cuff problems and the over 60s
are primarily affected by osteoarthritis.”
2010, recognizes a high level of susceptibility to dislocation in the shoulder’s extensive
range of movement. Dislocation is primarily
caused by forced abduction and outward
rotation of the arm. “Prevention is important
in this regard,” says the orthopedist , mainly
thinking of a rare case that , as a specialist ,
he actually comes across quite often: “Posterior dislocation of the shoulder is often
missed,” says the physician. “The head of the
humerus slips through under the acromion
and ends up in the infraspinous fossa. This
type of dislocation is difficult to diagnose
from an X-ray. If it remains unnoticed, I
have to perform surgery. After six months,
the tendons and capsule are overstretched.
Following surgery, I require an orthosis
that will enable the muscles to strengthen
without moving the joint.” This is where the
SecuTec Omo comes into play for Dr. Willems.
“I tell the patients: ‘Exercise your muscles by
rotating your arm. You don’t have to worry,
the orthosis will prevent dislocation.’” The
expert is convinced that when the muscles
and capsule are strong again, a posterior
dislocation will not recur.
Looking good makes it easier to find a
partner
Not only in the shoulder biotope, but particularly in that habitat , there is a rule that
is applicable worldwide. Dr. Willems knows
Preventing dislocation
it well. His frequent trips to lectures and
Dr. Willems now has a new medical aid at his workshops on every continent have taught
disposal to treat many shoulder indications. him that the design has to be right! Whether
in India, to which the Dutch physician makes
“I spent a long time searching for an orthosis that supports patients in accordance with regular visits, in Japan, or in South Africa,
it is crucial that people actually wear the
their particular requirements,” says Dr. Willems. “After shoulder surgery, the arm usually medical aid. If patient compliance is poor,
needs to be abducted at a customized angle. many of the other efforts are in vain. With
the SecuTec Omo however, Dr. Willems has
The SecuTec Omo makes it possible to do
no concerns in this respect: “The orthosis
just that , up to 60 degrees.” Which indicalooks good and is very convenient to use in
tions does he see in practice? The shoulder
everyday life,” he says, as a final verdict. In
specialist , who was President of the renowned European Society for Surgery of the the biotope, looking good usually makes it
†
easier to find a partner.
Shoulder and Elbow (ESSSE) from 2008 to
Picture: Astrid Mulder
A typical orthopedist: when the photographer hoists her heavy bag onto her shoulder,
Dr. Willems points out the risks of carrying it
on one side. He does so kindly, with a smile.
For our discussion, we meet the physician at
the café of the “Hotel American”, a magnificent art nouveau building at the heart of
Amsterdam. The DC Lairesse hospital where
Dr. Willems works is not far from here. He
has hurried over during his lunch break. Over
Koffie und Poffertjes (coffee and traditional
Dutch pancakes), we have a fascinating
conversation about medical advances. The
subject: “my biotope,” the orthopedist’s term
for the field he works in – the shoulder.
As we know, a wide range of inhabitants live
in a biotope – even newcomers can find their
place. A newcomer to the “shoulder habitat ,”
the SecuTec Omo stabilizing orthosis from
Bauerfeind, is the reason for this conversation.
FOCUS
Dr. med. Jaap Willems has
dedicated himself entirely
to the shoulder joint.
For further information
on the SecuTec Omo, visit www.bauerfeind.com.
See page 39 for contact information for Bauerfeind Benelux.
life magazine 2014/117
MEDICAL
Orthohealing Center, Los Angeles, USA
Innovative, non-surgical orthopedic
treatments accelerate recovery
Maintaining an active lifestyle is key to the overall well-being of all of us. But when
a rotator cuff tears while serving on a tennis court , or a knee inflames while jogging,
that active lifestyle can come to a screeching halt. When that happens, many in the
area of Los Angeles, California, pick up the phone and call Steven Sampson, D.O., of the
Orthohealing Center, a comprehensive facility specializing in cutting-edge non-surgical
orthopedics and sports medicine.
As a Physiatrist , Dr. Sampson is a Physician
who focuses on the body’s musculoskeletal
system, which includes bones, joints, muscles,
ligaments, tendons, and nerves. His holistic
approach to healing focuses on treating the
entire patient , not just the symptoms, and
includes minimally invasive procedures that
provide alternatives to surgery. Patient treatment emphasizes enhancement of the body’s
natural ability to heal itself by combining
time-tested treatments, state-of-the-art
technology, with the use of Bauerfeind supports. Dr. Sampson finds this combination
leads to exceptional patient compliance,
resulting in faster healing.
With a medical practice that treats about
1,000 patients a month, many of them elite
athletes – NBA basketball players, Olympic
athletes, major league baseball players and
more – as well as a bunch of former professional champions and accomplished amateur
and recreational athletes, Dr. Sampson sees
a whole host of injuries. From cartilage and
tendon disorders to arthritis and nerve and
spine issues, patients, some as young as 16
and others as mature as 103, all come with
one purpose in mind – to heal and get back
to being active as quickly as possible.
Redefine boundaries
“We treat patients who are so active, they
redefine the boundaries of what they should
and shouldn’t be doing,” said Dr. Sampson.
Steven Sampson, D.O.,
The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI),
launched by Dr. Sampson in 2009, promotes the development of best practice
in the field of regenerative medicine.
Attended by 50 doctors five years ago, 400
physicians now attend the institute that
discusses biologic-based medicine. Veterinarians, surgeons, plastic surgeons, Ph.Ds,
and other doctors gather to network with
biologics experts from around the world to
learn the latest research, procedures and
protocols. www.prpseminar.com.
With his research on PRP, Steven Sampson, D.O., is one of the pioneers of new non-surgical methods.
18
life magazine 2014/1
Pictures: Bauerfeind
Diplomate of the American Board of
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
was among the first in the United States
to publish research on healing with the
use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) that
continues to lay a foundation for further
biologic-based therapies. He has also
created educational and hands-on training materials regarding musculoskeletal
ultrasound that continues to educate
thousands of physicians.
MEDICAL
“We’ve got senior surfers, drag racers, women’s basketball players, even a 70-year-old
senior Olympic pole-vaulter. Take away their
activity and they get agitated. They need
motion to stay balanced and healthy. That’s
why it’s important that their treatment is as
minimally invasive as possible, so they can
get back in the game.”
The doctors at Orthohealing Center coordinate a team that may include other
physicians and health professionals such
as neurologists, rheumatologists, physical
therapists, acupuncturists and orthopedic
surgeons. Together, they decide what treatment is best for the patient and how it will
be delivered.
Great results with PRP and BMC
Along with conventional treatments, innovative treatments, such as platelet rich plasma
(PRP) and bone marrow concentrate (BMC),
are now becoming more mainstream. In
fact , many savvy patients who do their own
research actually ask for it , even though it
is considered experimental and not covered
by insurance.“We’re finding great results
with PRP and BMC throughout the body.
Ankle injuries and rotator cuff injuries of
the shoulder do exceptionally well with this
treatment. Knee meniscus tears combined
with rehab also do well. The most challenging regions to improve are hip joints with
arthritis,” said Dr. Sampson.
Knee brace was a game changer
Dr. Sampson values the feedback of his “pioneering patients,” who often share information they have read about in the community
regarding new therapies. In fact , he first
learned about the benefit of Bauerfeind
braces from one of his patients. “He came in
wearing a Bauerfeind knee brace and told me
how much it had helped him. He said it was a
game changer. We had the company demonstrate the product and then tried it with
several patients. We got great feedback,”
said Dr. Sampson.
Today, Bauerfeind supports and braces play
a big role in the treatment of Dr. Sampson’s patients, with about 25 percent using
them. The GenuTrain knee brace is the most
frequently used, followed by the MalleoTrain
MalleoTrain and GenuTrain are the Bauerfeind products Dr. Sampson uses the most frequently.
The supports are designed to restore mobility and improve performance. They are made from an
anatomically knitted, breathable fabric with visco-elastic pads. As the joint moves, they provide a
therapeutic massage and support. This stimulates the circulation and promotes the healing process.
ankle brace. Dr. Sampson says that the product’s workmanship, support , soft feel , precise
fit , and light weight are especially attractive
to his patients. “They also like the fact that
the braces reduce swelling, provide support ,
and allow them to heal faster. That’s what
they want , to be able to return to their active
†
lifestyle,” said Dr. Sampson. The Orthohealing Center, Los Angeles, California
Dr. Sampson founded the Orthohealing Center in Los Angeles, California, a comprehensive
state-of-the-art facility specializing solely in non-surgical orthopedics and sports medicine. He created The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI), and chairs and moderates a worldclass annual regenerative medicine symposium, featuring the foremost experts in tendon
and cartilage disease. For more information, visit: www.orthohealing.com.
Further information
See page 39 for contact information for Bauerfeind USA.
life magazine 2014/119
MEDICAL
Treating patella instability
“The importance of getting it
right from the beginning”
Dr. Chinmay M. Gupte is a Consultant Knee Surgeon at the Wellington Knee Unit and
Imperial College, London. He is also director of training for North West London Orthopaedics. For life magazine, Orthopaedic Registrar Philip Pastides, one of his trainees
and who is working with him in the Knee Reconstruction Unit at Imperial College,
talked to the knee specialist about patella instability.
Mr. Pastides: How is the diagnosis of patella
instability made?
Dr. Chim Gupte: The diagnosis is made with
a combination of a detailed history and a
thorough knee examination. Sometimes imaging of the joint , in the form of radiographs
(X-rays), MRI scans and occasionally CT scans
are also required.
If a patient thinks that they are suffering
from patella instability, they should consult
a specialist orthopedic knee surgeon.
Mr. Pastides: How do patients know if they
have patella related pain or instability?
Dr. Chim Gupte: Classically a patient will
complain of pain in the front of the knee
or under the kneecap. This is commonly referred to as ‘anterior knee pain’ and this can
be associated with a catching sensation.
Patients may experience pain when running
or biking, going up or down stairs, squatting
and getting up from a kneeling position.
They may also feel that the kneecap is unstable and in danger of dislocating.
Mr. Pastides: In the acute cases, what should
be done?
Dr. Chim Gupte: It is important to ensure
that if the patella does dislocate, that it
is promptly put back into place. If there is
a large swelling, blood in the joint can be
drained with a needle and syringe under local anaesthetic. The knee can be placed in a
brace for comfort and to restrict movement.
Then the underlying cause of the dislocation
Mr. Pastides: What are the causes of patella
instability?
Dr. Chim Gupte: Patella instability can
arise from an acute traumatic injury, such
as a patella dislocation due to a direct blow
or abnormal twisting movement , or from a
chronic problem.
Underlying causes that may predispose to
this include: bony problems such as knock
knees (increased “Q angle”) or abnormal
kneecap or thigh bone architecture (patellofemoral dysplasia), or kneecap ligament
injury (medial patellofemoral ligament
[MPFL] injury).
Another very important contributing cause
is poor muscle strength and conditioning
(buttock and thigh muscles).
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life magazine 2014/1
is determined and treatment planned. This
can range from bracing, to specialist physiotherapy to operation.
Mr. Pastides: What non-operative options are
available?
Dr. Chim Gupte: Bracing can prevent further
dislocation of the kneecap, but this must be
balanced with over stiffening the knee and
weakening muscles due to prolonged bracing
in rigid frame constructions without any
elastic knitting.
Physiotherapy consists of initial swelling and
pain management , followed by gradual bending of the knee and buttock and quadriceps
muscle strengthening exercises. In chronic
cases patellar taping has been shown to be
of value.
Mr. Pastides: If the medial patellofemoral
ligament is injured, can this be treated operatively?
Especially in chronic cases, Dr. Chinmay M. Gupte appreciates the brace GenuTrain P3.
Pictures: www.headshot-soho.co.uk
Mr. Pastides: Mr. Gupte, why is patella
instability such a problem for patients?
Dr. Chim Gupte: The patella, or kneecap,
‘glides’ over the thigh bone during knee
bending and straightening. If this motion is not in a straight line or leads to an
increased pressure on the kneecap, pain and
sensation of instability can be the result.
There are many potential causes of this and
hence determining the correct treatment
can be a challenge.
MEDICAL
Dr. Chinmay M. Gupte is especially interested in the management of early osteoarthritis, sports knee injuries, knee ligament and meniscal biomechanics.
Dr. Chim Gupte: Yes it can. There are
several procedures that can be done. Using
an arthroscope, the tighter structures on
the lateral aspect of the knee cap can be
partially released to allow the knee cap to
lie more medially. Alternatively, if the MPFL
is badly injured and beyond repair, this can
be reconstructed using the patient’s own
tendons. The orthopedic surgeon will decide
which procedure is best or if a combination
of procedures is required.
Mr. Pastides: What are the causes of nontraumatic or chronic patella instability?
Dr. Chim Gupte: These are slightly more
complex and depend on the surgeon
performing a thorough examination and
imaging studies. Causes can include the
knee cap lying too high or too low in front
of the femur, a mismatch in the shape of the
undersurface of the patella and the front of
the femur, a malalignment of the knee cap
in relation to the pull of the tendons it lies
in or even arthritis within the patellofemoral
joint.
Mr. Pastides: How can these be treated?
Dr. Chim Gupte: Treatment depends very
much on the diagnosis and hence the impor-
tance of getting it right from the beginning!
If the patella is lying too high or too low or
in a malaligned position in relation to the
pull of the tendons, the bone on which the
patella ligament attaches to on the tibia
can be moved to correct for this. If the
problem is due to arthritis within the joint
or a mismatch between the bony geometry,
then a type of kneecap replacement can be
performed. If the problem is due to an injury
to the MPFL then this can be reconstructed
as described above.
Mr. Pastides: Does a patient have to have
surgery for chronic problems?
Dr. Chim Gupte: Of course not. Retraining
and building the muscle around the knee
cap with the help of physiotherapy is a vital
treatment option. Surgery is usually offered
to those patients who fail to make a satisfactory recovery with non-operative methods.
Mr. Pastides: What is the role of bracing?
Dr. Chim Gupte: Bracing can be used immediately after a patellar dislocation to provide
comfort and restrict the bend of the knee.
In longer term, chronic cases need a different type of brace that allows mobilization
for example the Bauerfeind Genutrain P3.
This brace is made of elastic knitting and
stabilizing elements. It can be used in
motion to provide resistance to the patella
moving out of position and to aid muscle
function and joint position sense when playing sport.
Mr. Pastides: This all sounds very complex and
difficult to treat.
Dr. Chim Gupte: It is complex surgery and
for that reason it should be performed by
orthopedic knee surgeons who have an interest and expertise in doing these types of
†
procedures. For further information
about Dr. Gupte please visit:
www1.imperial.ac.uk/medicine/people/c.gupte00/
See page 39 for contact information for Bauerfeind UK.
life magazine 2014/121
MEDICAL
Strains during sporting activities and treatment with foot orthoses
The foot – both a tool and a
means of compensation
Dr. Frank-Detlef
Stanek, Jena,
Germany.
Dr. Stanek, what role does the foot play in
processing the strains generally exerted on
the body when playing sport?
Dr. Stanek: As our primary mode of transport , our feet provide us with the power
required to move, while, on the other hand,
they also serve as our main point of contact
with the ground and sports equipment in
most cases. This means that they have to
do both the work and compensate for it
in equal measures. The athlete must work
to minimize the impact exerted on them
during movement. They must absorb and
deflect the impact and convert it into a
form of energy that does not damage the
body, but benefits it by pre-tensioning and
pre-stretching the muscles, ligaments and
tendons to achieve good propulsion. In
this sense, the foot must always be considered in relation to the entire body. When
making claims regarding the foot , we must
also always consider whether the knee joint
or hip joint are in the correct position or
whether the body statics are correct in relation to the foot. The foot is the first point of
contact and gives off proprioceptive signals.
The foot is therefore also the one carrying
out the work – always in conjunction with
sensorimotor controlled muscle chains that
ultimately determine performance.
In your experience, does it make sense to
­support perfectly healthy feet with appro­
priate foot orthoses during sports?
Dr. Stanek: We have an excellent array of
shoes and other equipment available that
are especially suited to recreational sports.
The athlete has a range of options to choose
from – subject to restrictions – and can
listen to advice from specialist sales staff
on which materials are best suited to their
individual physical characteristics. In this
regard, however, they must also always
accept the relevant material constants for
what they are. This means there will almost
always be issues not fully resolved – the
position of the foot inside the shoe, for
example, still requires improvement or individual foot defects and static problems with
the shoes require correction. Those who do
not want to use their own muscle power or
active forces to achieve these improvements
need to take an adaptive approach – simply
by using a foot orthosis, for example. With
injured feet that have static problems, it is
often symptoms relating to the knee, hip
or lumbar spine that we notice first and it
is only afterwards that we realize that the
foot is actually the root cause. Adaption by
means of a foot orthosis can help even in
†
these cases. Quick stops and turns are typical of indoor and ball sports. The ErgoPad ball & racket provides relief for this: its heel cup stabilizes the hindfoot and ankle.
22
life magazine 2014/1
Pictures: Frank Steinhorst , Bauerfeind
In many sports, very specific strains are exerted on the feet. life magazine spoke to
Dr. Frank-Detlef Stanek, medical practitioner and specialist in physical and rehabilitation medicine, sports medicine and manual therapy in Jena, Germany, about these
strains and the best ways to support the feet using sports foot orthoses such as the
new ErgoPad sports range.
MEDICAL
New ErgoPad foot orthoses for sport
A powerful trio
Bauerfeind has developed three new sports foot orthoses based on patented weightflex
technology: ErgoPad ski & skate for winter sports, ErgoPad ball & racket for indoor and ball
sports and ErgoPad run & walk for running and walking.
All three of the new ErgoPad foot orthoses
come with an innovative synthetic core,
made up of two plastics with different levels
of firmness, which supports the foot arches.
The internal weightflex-X promotes the natural mobility of the feet and loosens blockages in the midfoot area. The flexible plastic
provides optimum cushioning against the
strong forces which occur during sport. The
orthotic core is coated in a skin-friendly soft
foam polyurethane for long-lasting cushioning for the feet and joints. All three foot
orthoses use sensorimotor spots to stimulate
and strengthen the foot muscles.
Tailor-made solutions
In terms of their surface shapes, however,
all three types of foot orthoses have been
specifically designed for their individual
area of use.
The ErgoPad ski & skate relieves the feet
and joints during the tilting motions and
changing pressure loads typical of winter
sports. The orthosis surrounds the hindfoot
with its heel cup and stabilizes the ankle.
The slightly raised section under the small
toes stretches them, thereby increasing the
ErgoPad ski & skate
ErgoPad ball & racket
ErgoPad run & walk
contact surface between the foot and the
shoe for better control.
The ErgoPad ball & racket gives the feet
optimum stability for the stops and turns
characteristic of indoor and ball sports. The
heel cup surrounds the hindfoot , thereby
also stabilizing the ankle. Proprioceptive
spots send stimuli to the foot muscles and
thus improve motor skills. The slightly raised
section under the small toes stretches them
to prevent cramp and increase the contact
surface between the foot and the shoe.
The ErgoPad run & walk for running and
walking guides and stabilizes the feet during
movement thanks to the low heel cup. With
their cushioning in the forefoot and hindfoot
areas, they effectively absorb the constant
impact of the heel hitting the ground and the
toes pushing off.
The top cover on all three types of foot orthosis has also been specifically designed for
the intended area of use: the top cover on the
ErgoPad ball & racket and on the ErgoPad run
& walk kills bacteria and inhibits odors, while
the thermoregulating top cover on the ErgoPad ski & skate protects the winter athlete’s
†
feet from the cold. For further information
see www.bauerfeind.com/footorthoses.
life magazine 2014/1
23
MEDICAL
Fisio 1 Fisioterapia, Rio de Janeiro
A holistic approach
The Brazilian healthcare system provides citizens with free primary healthcare. Orthopedic aids are not included. Physiotherapist André Luiz Lauria Faria, joint founder of Fisio 1,
a center of excellence for health and rehabilitation in Rio de Janeiro, explains that
people’s awareness of their health and willingness to be proactive has still increased.
the Power Plate vibration platform. In 2011,
we moved to a different location nearby that
was more than twice the size and founded
Fisio 1. There we were able to establish
a broader infrastructure and expand our
range, to include baropodometric analyses
or pilates, for example. We also set up a wide
range of courses for patients and therapists.
Since our company started operating, our
services have been requested more than
38,000 times. This shows us that we’ve got
our concept right.
Which type of customer do you treat most
often?
André Lauria: Most of our customers are
amateur athletes, but we also treat some
professional athletes. For example, we collaborate with an institute for Paralympic
athletes. Customers are usually sent to us by
André Luiz Lauria Faria (left) and Pedro Koellreutter from Fisio1. The physiotherapists, have postgraduate qualifications in fields such as trauma
orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, and osteopathy.
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life magazine 2014/1
Pictures: Fisio1, Fotolia.com/mangostock
Your company has been operating since 2006.
Are you satisfied with its development?
André Lauria: After studying under one of
the country’s most notable physiotherapists, Dr. Nilton Petrone, we started our own
company, still called Plexus Physiotherapy at
the time. It all started in a 60 square-meter
room in a conventional fitness studio in
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro. Back then, we
only offered physiotherapy and training with
MEDICAL
Fisio 1 is situated in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.
Physiotherapeutical treatment at Fisio 1.
orthopedic surgeons who admire our work
philosophy. People who have come to us
before like to come again because they have
already experienced firsthand how we can
help them.
or ligament surgery or are suffering from
cartilage problems. The most frequent spine
disorders are intervertebral disk prolapses
and problems caused by instability or muscular imbalance.
Do you think that physiotherapy is more
highly regarded in Rio today than it was a few
years ago?
André Lauria: Definitely, and I think I can
safely say that sport has played a major part
in this change of attitude. When people
hear from the media that this or that athlete
has been injured and needs to undergo a
rehabilitation process, or that a top athlete
has recovered in record time thanks to physiotherapy, it also makes all those who have
not yet recognized the importance of our
profession change their minds.
These days, people are generally more aware
of their health. We now see a large number
of people aged 55 or 60 who do sport. This
was a rare occurrence in the past. Of course,
the upcoming major sporting events such as
the 2014 Football World Cup in Brazil or the
2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro also
help increase people’s enthusiasm for sport.
Wherever people do sport , physiotherapists
are also needed to prevent or treat injuries.
What do you do when treating patients?
André Lauria: First we conduct a physical
and functional assessment of the patient.
We think it is very important to spot biomechanical changes. If surgical treatment is
required, we send the patient to an orthopedic surgeon. If we can treat them conservatively, we start as soon as possible. During
treatment , we always look at the person as
a whole and not just the isolated problem,
because an impairment or injury in one part
of the body always affects other areas too.
Depending on the individual case, we can
then use a combination of different therapeutic approaches, such as conventional
physiotherapy, RPG (Global Postural ReEducation), osteopathy, electrotherapy,
manual therapy, or training on the vibration platform. The combination of different
methods often makes rehabilitation quicker
and more effective. We also sometimes re­
commend the use of supports and orthoses.
However, as with physiotherapy, the success
What are the most common problems amongst
your patients?
André Lauria: They usually have knee, back,
or shoulder injuries or problems. Patients
with knee disorders have often had meniscus
of treatment depends on the quality. This is
why we particularly like Bauerfeind products.
Incidentally, patients are not reimbursed for
supports and orthoses in Brazil. If you have
to pay for it yourself, you naturally also want
to have a good product.
How are recommendations for supports and
orthoses received?
André Lauria: Well , because patients have
faith in our work and our recommendations.
However, I think it is important to stress that
these products provide support , but cannot
replace physiotherapeutic treatment. Both
aspects work together to help the patient.
The supports and orthoses can also be used
between treatments to preserve what has
been achieved. Thanks to their stabilizing
and proprioceptive effects, the supports also
give patients more security when working
and doing sport.
Have you already had personal experience
of using supports?
André Lauria: Yes. I play tennis and have a
meniscus injury that didn’t need surgery. I
do muscle strengthening exercises and wear
a support while doing them to help stabilize
†
the injury. For further information
please visit www.fisio1.com.br.
life magazine 2014/1
25
MEDICAL
Compression stocking compliance
Life insurance for legs
Despite the proven high degree of effectiveness of compression stockings in the treatment
of phlebological and lymphological disorders, patients have to be motivated time and time
again to wear them regularly. Bauerfeind life spoke to Priv.-Doz. Dr. med Stefanie ReichSchupke, who has managed the outpatient clinic for veins and skin at the Artemed specialist clinic in Bad Oeynhausen since April 2013.
How do you argue in favor of this form of
treatment?
Dr. Reich-Schupke: Information is the key.
Many people still think that varicose veins
are a purely cosmetic problem. The fatal
aspect of venous disorders is that , as with
diabetes, patients only feel pain when the
disease is already at an advanced stage.
Therefore, in the first consultation, it must
always be made very clear why the patient
needs compression stockings. The results
of the second Bonn vein study conducted
by Prof. Eberhard Rabe show that there is
a clear progression of these disorders over
time. The participants of the first study in
2003 were re-examined about seven years
later and the physicians noticed that the venous disorders of patients who had not been
treated with compression stockings had got
worse. Results like these provide good arguments. With patients whose legs are at great
26
life magazine 2014/1
PD Dr. Stefanie Reich-Schupke, Artemed specialist clinic, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
Pictures: Tristan Vankann, Bauerfeind
What are your experiences in relation to
­compliance in compression therapy?
Dr. Reich-Schupke: A variety of factors
play a role in this issue. One key factor is
how well informed patients are about how
compression stockings work, and the other is
how much they are suffering. Acceptance is
high among patients with a life-threatening
thrombosis. It is also high among patients
who are wearing compression stockings for a
short period of time to treat acute inflammation of the veins, after surgery, or in
particular situations such as when traveling
or spending long periods of time sitting
or standing at work. However, when stockings are to be worn as prophylaxis for less
severe venous disorders, such as pronounced
varicose veins or vein inflammation, or to
prevent thrombosis, it is often challenging
to motivate patients to wear them. Age and
gender also play a role: it is mainly older
women who are prepared to wear compression stockings preventatively.
MEDICAL
risk due to ulceration or recurring infections (e.g. erysipelas), you sometimes have
to be more forceful. Then I simply call the
stockings “life insurance for legs.” I also use
the fact that I wear stockings as prophylaxis
myself to help convince patients.
How do the product features support
­compliance?
Dr. Reich-Schupke: Thanks to modern materials, the stockings have become softer, easier to put on, and more comfortable to wear.
Psychologically, the wide variety of stocking
designs available plays an important role in
acceptance: the less they are perceived as a
medical aid, the better. Fashionable colors
and a wide range of colors have a significant
psychological impact. Patients appreciate
the selection, even though most choose a
traditional shade of black or beige.
“Fashionable colors and a wide
range of colors have a significant
psychological impact. Patients
appreciate the selection, even
though most choose a traditional shade of black or beige.”
(PD Dr. Stefanie Reich-Schupke)
What else encourages patients to persevere
with treatment?
Dr. Reich-Schupke: We always stress that
the stockings themselves only rarely provoke
allergies. In some circumstances, they can
cause dry skin or redness, which can be prevented by using a strong lipid-replenishing
skincare product containing urea or glycerine. It is also crucial that the stockings
are fitted perfectly and that the material is
suitable for the legs and skin. The Bauerfeind prescription poster is a handy guide
for this, because although many practicing
physicians are familiar with the compression
classes, they often do not know that stockings from the same class can have completely different characteristics due to differences
in material and knit.
What makes a compression stocking good?
Dr. Reich-Schupke: The ideal stocking has
the right pressure, material , and stiffness
for the patient’s requirements. The patient
should be able to put on the stocking easily
and it should not slip or dig in. In addition,
it should not irritate the skin very much,
should be comfortable to wear, and should
not make the patient sweat. Many modern
microfiber fabrics provide this wearing comfort and also have the advantage of looking
almost exactly like normal opaque stockings.
What else would support better treatment?
Dr. Reich-Schupke: The German Phlebology
Society is trying to raise physicians’ awareness in this area through continuing education. It would be better if family physicians,
gynecologists, and physiotherapists referred
affected patients to specialists early. It is
vital that treatment at a medical retailer is
taken seriously, because studies show that
the stockings supplied to one in three patients do not meet their individual require-
ments. Their fit should be checked regularly
at a medical retailer or by a physician.
You lecture at the Ruhr University Bochum.
What advice do you pass on to your students
for the future?
Dr. Reich-Schupke: As a hybrid of dermato­
logy and vascular surgery, phlebology has
a very difficult status at many universities.
This is not the case in Bochum, thanks to
the vein center that actively treats patients
and participates in research. At the vein
center, we raise awareness of the wide range
of compression treatments. It is important
to me that my students know the difference between a flat and a circular knit after
seeing and touching them. As prospective
physicians, they should know that a suitable
compression stocking can be found for every
patient , even those with advanced pain and
†
deformed legs.
VenoTrain micro balance
Integral skin care
The VenoTrain micro balance combines
the circulation-stimulating properties of a compression stocking with the
skin-smoothing properties of a skin care
lotion. Thanks to the presence of skin care
substances such
as urea, precious
oils and vitamin
E, the moisture in
the skin is maintained and the
roughness of the
skin is reduced.
The positive effect on the skin
was proven in a
clinical study.
For further information
please visit www.bauerfeind.com.
life magazine 2014/127
MEDICAL
Treatment of lymphedema
“There is still a lot of work to do”
The University Hospital Leuven is one of the largest hospitals in Belgium. More than
8,800 employees work daily to provide a highly specialized patient care. One of them
is Nele Devoogdt , PhD, physiotherapist and coordinator of the Lymphedema Center.
the garment needs to have a large stiffness.
Her patients use different brands of compression garments, including VenoTrain curaflow
products from Bauerfeind. “They find it very
comfortable. Due to the high percentage of
microfibre the material is very soft and this
enhances compliance.”
Keep on moving
Of course, also in the maintenance phase, the
patients have to continue the skin care – and
with exercising and moving a lot. “Currently,
Nele Devoogdt , PhD, coordinator of the Lymphede- a lot of lymphedema patients think that they
ma Center (l.), and her colleague Carol Swinnen.
may not exert physical efforts with the affected limb. But regardless of whether upper
or lower limbs are affected, muscle activity is
Devoogdt and her colleague Carol Swinnen
Risk factor axillary surgery
needed to stimulate lymph transport.
use manual lymphatic drainage to stimulate
And patients with lymphedema have to wear
lymphatic transport and to reduce fibrotic
Currently, the majority of our patients
(80 percent) are cancer patients with lymph- structures. After the lymphatic drainage they their compression garments very consequentapply a multilayer compression bandage. The ly! Until nowthere are still some therapists
edema. Of them, the major part (70 percent)
patients are asked to move the limb a lot
are women who developed secondary lymphwho find this is not necessary...” But this
while they wear the bandage.in order to imonly encourages the dedicated woman to augedema after breast cancer surgery”, she explains. Though, the surgery for those patients prove lymphatic transport under the bandage. ment and share knowledge about lymphedema
has changed: “When I started my PhD at the
In addition, the patients receive information and its treatment. And for that , she has a lot
hospital , out of ten women with primary and
about skin care. “It’s essential for them to
of ideas.
operable breast cancer, four to five patients
keep the skin well-hydrated and to avoid
“From January 2014 we organise informationreceived an axillary lymph node dissection
wounds”, stresses the lymphedema specialist. al sessions for patients with lymphedema from
and the other received the sentinel node
As soon as the edema is stable, the maininside and outside the hospital about the
procedure Today it’s only two out of ten.”
lymphatic system, the treatment of lymphedetenance phase is started. The multilayer
Receiving an axillary lymph node dissection – bandage is replaced by a custom-made
ma and about different compressions devices
in contrast to having a sentinel node biopsy
compression garment A compression speand materials”, Nele Devoogdt says. Together
– is still the main risk factor for developing
with other ambitious persons she has develcialist comes to the center and takes the
secondary arm lymphedema. In her study inmeasurements for the compression garments. oped a special website for doctors, physical
therapists and patients (see info box). “And in
cluding 160 breast cancer patients, incidence “For this job you really need a lot of experiof arm lymphedema 24 months after axillary
ence. The measurement has to be precise and October 2014 we will start an inter-university
course with the universities of Antwerp, Ghent
lymph node dissection was 30 percent, where- you need a broad knowledge about different
and Leuven about the treatment of venous-,
as prevalence was 18 percent. Other predictive stockings”, emphasizes Nele Devoogdt , who
lip- and lymphedema”, she tells enthusiastiis working very closely together with the
factors for develop­ment of breast cancerrelated lymphedema are having postoperative specialist. “The advantage is that we know
cally. This one-year program for therapists is
swelling, high body mass index and receiving the patients’ individual needs by bandaging
scientifically based and the lessons will be
them. We know where they can have a lot of
supraclavicular and axillary irradiation.
held by national and international experts.
pressure and where not. This information is
“And perhaps we will continue by establishing
Decongestive lymphatic therapy
very useful for the compression specialist.”
courses for medical doctors and for nurses as
well”, she says. “There is still a lot of work to
In the Leuven Lymphoedema Center, patients Other requirements for effective compres†
do, so let’s keep on moving!”
with lymphedema are treated with deconges- sion garments are: the garment has to exert
enough compression on the limb (for upper
tive lymphatic therapy. The intensive phase
limb lymphoedema 20-40 mmHg and for
of therapy aims to minimize the lymph1 Removal of only the first lymph node, the sentinel node.
edema volume in a short period of time. Nele lower limb lymphoedema 40-60 mmHg) and
Axillary lymph node dissection removes several lymph nodes.
28
life magazine 2014/1
Pictures: UZ Leuven, mk publishing
“The knowledge about lymphedema and its
treatment is still very limited”, says Nele
­Devoogdt. The petite athletic woman has
set out to change that. In 2006 she started
her PhD-study on breast cancer relatedlymphedema at the KU Leuven and University
Hospitals Leuven. Since 2011 she is working
in the hospital as a physiotherapist and has
got the chance to establish a Lymphedema
Center which is supported by the Leuven
Cancer Institute. 40 percent of her work is
dedicated to practical physiotherapy, 50 percent to clinical studies and in the remaining
10 percent she is educating students at the
KU Leuven – University of Leuven.
MEDICAL
Nele Devoogdt uses
manual lymphatic drainage to stimulate the flow
of fluid and to reduce
swelling and fibrotic
structures.
For further information
visit www.oedema.be (page in Dutch). Detailed information about
the custom-made flat-knit VenoTrain curaflow compression garments can be found at www.bauerfeind.com/venotraincuraflow-en.
See page 39 for contact information for Bauerfeind Benelux.
life magazine 2014/129
MEDICAL
FysioDanmark
A one-stop shop for quality
In Denmark, many physiotherapists are discovering a new strength: their ability to
sell products! In addition to carrying out their usual work, they provide patients with
information about medical aids such as supports and foot orthoses. This completes
the treatment and improves the quality of their work.
Confirmation of this comes at the end of the
visit. On the way to Aalborg Airport , the taxi
driver begins talking about his wife’s medical care. The physician advised her to go to
“Arkadens Fysioterapi” for treatment on her
knee. It is not unusual for family physicians
in Denmark to make recommendations, since
they play a guiding role within the country’s
healthcare system. However, recommending
a physiotherapy clinic for treatment rather
than follow-up treatment is by no means a
regular occurrence. Although Danish physiotherapists enjoy an excellent reputation,
advising a patient to consult them instead
of a specialist colleague suggests that the
physician holds “Arkadens Fysioterapi” in
unusually high esteem. Three hours earlier,
the taxi’s passenger had been able to see
the physiotherapy clinic in Denmark’s fourth
largest city for himself.
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life magazine 2014/1
In the long, wide corridor, there is an atmosphere of calm activity. The employees wear
blue T-shirts with “Arkadens Fysioterapi”
on the back. “A total of 27 physiotherapists
work for us, including our colleagues in the
smaller branches on the edge of Aalborg,”
says Per Gade, CEO of “Arkadens Fysioterapi”
and a physiotherapist himself. “Our teams
are divided up. We have specialists for each
part of the body,” explains the young CEO.
After Per, a former professional footballer,
has finished conducting his tour through
the large treatment rooms and communal
areas that are flooded with light , he stops
in front of a small door. “Behind this door,”
says Per, lowering his voice and opening the
door, “something special is hidden.”
The medium-sized, dark room is packed full of
shelves. Physiotherapeutic and medical aids
are piled up to the ceiling. Blue and white
Even ultrasonic devices are used.
packaging takes up most of a whole side of
the room: a wide variety of products in all
sizes, from the SacroLoc to the LumboTrain
and MalleoLoc, the entire GenuTrain range
to the VenoTrain compression stockings and
foot orthoses – everything is there. “We
have you to thank for this,” says Per and
turns to Agneta Cabréus, CEO of Bauerfeind Nordic and Frank Bærentsen, Sales
Manager for Denmark. The storeroom is
a well-chosen meeting place for the trio.
In addition to its practical significance,
it is definitely symbolic. It represents the
collaboration between Bauerfeind Nordic
and FysioDanmark, the country’s largest
chain of physiotherapy clinics. “Arkadens
Fysioterapi” is one of them. “Our collaboration began in 2011,” explains Agneta. “We
wanted patients to benefit from the work
of both of our companies here on site. The
Pictures: www.momentfotografi.dk
Physiotherapist Per Gade, CEO of “Arkadens Fysioterapi” and of FysioDanmark.
MEDICAL
new system just seemed natural to us –
combining ­quality with quality.” Per, who
is also CEO and a partner of FysioDanmark,
stresses: “Advising patients on medical aids
offering these products in our clinics was
a completely new experience for us since,
as physiotherapists, we are used to working
solely with the patient.”
standard, just like our products.” Per also
stresses another aspect: “We don’t want to
send patients into the city, to any sports
store. No, the advice must be provided right
here, in a location they can trust with specialist expertise.”
Per has tasked an external consultant with
supporting Frank’s activities. While Frank
positively to FysioDanmark’s extended range.
“The complaints rate is almost zero,” says
Per, which is clear evidence that a highquality range is in great demand among
patients. Supportive products for running
are the most popular, although patients of
all ages are represented. Is it coincidence
or necessity that the CEO of FysioDanmark is
Patients in the well-equipped gym of “Arkadens Fysioterapi”.
A storeroom with symbolic significance ...
Physiotherapists you can trust
In Denmark, the state covers about 80
percent of all expenditure on healthcare,
financed by taxes. However, patients usually
pay for services such as medications, dental
care, and physiotherapy (60 percent) out of
their own pocket. This means that the value
of treatment has to be right to avoid fluctuation. “Quality in the provision of our services
is the be-all and end-all ,” says Per. “It is the
only way we can retain patients. Now we
can improve our quality even more.” Frank
Bærentsen plays a significant role in this.
The sales manager, a physiotherapist himself,
visits each individual FysioDanmark clinic.
There he explains to his colleagues how they
can convince their patients to also purchase
a foot orthosis after their foot treatment , for
example. “The aim is to top off the therapist’s work. Their work is of a high medical
also expanding his chain of clinics in view
of its pleasing development? In the next few
years, he is aiming to increase the number of
clinics from the current total of 49 to 80. At
the end of the conversation, the mention of
Bauerfeind’s Bodytronic 600 digital measurement system made him prick up his ears.
The system enables a precise leg measurement to be taken for care using compression
stockings and knee and ankle supports. This
†
would be a perfect fit for the clinics. concentrates on the products, the consultant teaches the ABCs of selling to customers. “This is where we physiotherapists have
shortcomings,” says Per, referring to their
“blind spot.” “We want to heal. Until now,
supplementary products were on the fringe
of our work.” However, the key is that “one
works better with the other,” says Per. “The
combination of the two really clicked. Now
we’re convinced by the “one stop shop”
concept.” The patients are responding very
For further information
please visit www.fysiodanmark.dk.
See page 39 for contact information for Bauerfeind Nordic.
life magazine 2014/1
31
TRADE & TECHNICS
Bodytronic 600 measurement system
“The system helps us stand out
on the market”
In Switzerland, the ORTHO-TEAM Group is a market leader in the supply of orthopedic and
phlebological aids. It is no surprise that the company is also setting new standards with
modern measurement technology. Since last year, Bauerfeind’s Bodytronic 600 has been in
use at six sites in all the major cities of German-speaking Switzerland.
These days, no specialist orthopedic supplier
can get by without reliable measurement
and production technology. “To further
improve our ability to give advice and to
stand out from the competition, we decided
to install Bauerfeind’s Bodytronic 600
measurement system,” explains Marc Moser,
a member of ORTHO-TEAM’s management.
“The modern measurement technology fits
into our concept perfectly. We want to use
it to sharpen our profile further still and increase customers’ faith in their treatment.”
Circumference, length, and volume measurements for the appropriate tailor-made care
using supports and compression stockings
are therefore now taken digitally at the
Bern, Solothurn, Basel , Lucerne, Zurich, and
St. Gallen sites.
Innovative projection of beams of light
Bodytronic 600 can measure the legs up to
the hips. This makes it possible to select
perfectly fitting compression stockings from
the entire VenoTrain range or Train supports to treat the knee and ankle. To take
measurements, the system projects beams
of light , a process that has been used in the
automotive industry for many years. This
process cannot be disrupted by external
factors and is completely safe for humans
because it uses normal , visible light.
Precise 3D image
To generate the 3D model , the measurement system projects beams of light onto
the body part to be measured and captures
them digitally. The system quickly gene­
rates a perfect 3D model with the length and
circumference measurements of the body
part to be treated – without touching the
patient at all and without any need for measurement clothing. During the measurement
process, the patient stands on a measurement platform that revolves automatically.
32
life magazine 2014/1
TRADE & TECHNICS
The steady rotation excludes the potential
for error, thereby avoiding time-consuming
repetitions of the process.
The circumference and length measurements
taken from the 3D image can then serve as
the basis for selecting a product from the
Bauerfeind online shop. In the shop, the
product configuration tool suggests the
perfect size. The medical retailer can decide
between a custom-made solution or a standard product depending on the proportions
of the patient’s body. This removes the need
for time-consuming searches in catalogs or
size tables. After all other required product
features, such as the compression class,
color, or pattern, have been selected by
Bodytronic 600 can measure the legs
up to the hips. This makes it possible
to select perfectly fitting compression
stockings from the entire
VenoTrain range or Train supports to
treat the knee and ankle.
the specialist , the product can be ordered
directly from the Bauerfeind online shop.
Providing evidence to health insurance
funds
“At the moment , we mainly use the system
for providing care using medical compression
stockings, and sometimes for supports – if
they are custom-made,” says Marc Moser.
“The non-contact measurement process
is very comfortable for customers and the
modern technology has already given rise to
a great deal of amazement and admiration.”
However, making a good impression is, of
course, not the only thing that is important to him and his team. “For us, the most
significant features are the precise,
>>>
Pictures: Romel Janeski
“A valuable marketing tool”
“In the orthopedic technology division,
we regularly use scanning, such as for the
3D modeling of torso orthoses or seats.
I therefore found it very easy to use the
Bodytronic technology. I think the main
advantages of the system are the precise,
error-free measurement process and the
reproducibility of the measurement data.
As the measurements are always taken
in the same way, it is more accurate than
taking them manually. The direct connection to the ordering system makes it
much easier to obtain custom-made solutions. Bodytronic 600 is also a valuable
marketing tool for us. As a market-leading
company, we ultimately always have to be
up-to-date with the latest developments
in the industry. I would be delighted if we
could also use the system for other areas
of care in future.”
Nadaraja Maden, Head of Ortec, Bern site.
life magazine 2014/1
33
TRADE & TECHNICS
“Saves a great deal of time”
Marc Moser, a member of ORTHO-TEAM’s management.
made solution to health insurance funds,”
he emphasizes. Even if a new product is
required due to physical changes, the available measurements can be used as a reference when trying to convince the funding
organization.
40 percent of the compression stockings
supplied by ORTHO-TEAM are custom-made
solutions. “This is because a large number
of compression stockings are also supplied
at pharmacies or drug stores in Switzerland.
Sometimes patients are not even measured
manually, but are just sold the product
straight away, over the counter,” says the
manager. However, compression stockings
ultimately cannot be compared with a drug
Patrik Baumann, Ortec hospital service and customer
that is the same for all patients. “In the
service at the Bern site.
end, the aid must fit the body perfectly to
be able to fulfill its therapeutic purpose and
be comfortable to wear. Therefore, many
>>> reproducible measurement process,
patients come to us because they know
the simplified order process, particularly for
custom-made solutions, and the documented that expertise and technology are available
here.”
measurement results,” says the manager.
These results not only make internal quality
The interest is there
management easier, but also serve as a tool
Four to twenty employees work with the
for networking with physicians and therameasurement system depending on the site.
pists. “They are, of course, also interested
“No one was really scared to touch it. The
in the measurement results to monitor the
system is so easy to use – almost like an
progress of treatment.”
iPhone,” says Marc Moser with a smile. The
Marc Moser also lists another advantage
company has advertised the new techno­
that is very important to him: Bodytronic
logy in its own magazine for physicians and
600 simplifies communication with health
therapists, on its own website, and with an
insurance funds. “Particularly with comarticle in the magazine of a hospital netpression stockings, it is very useful to be
able to use the leg volume measurements to work. “After that , we already had compresdemonstrate the requirement for a custom- sion stocking wearers coming in who were
For further information
please visit www.ortho-team.ch.
For more information on Bodytronic please visit:
www.bauerfeind.com/en/products/measurement-technology.html
34
life magazine 2014/1
specifically interested in being measured
with the Bodytronic 600. As I said, the system is a good opportunity for us to distinguish ourselves on the market and enhance
†
our image further still.”
“Volume changes are visible
immediately”
“Thanks to the Bodytronic 600, when we
are supplying compression stockings, we
can quickly tell whether the customer’s
body measurements have changed. This
is particularly useful for customers with
edemas. For example, we have edema
patients who came to us before surgery.
It is then particularly impressive for them
to see how much the volume of their legs
has reduced after surgery. This is also interesting to communicate to physicians.
In general , one of the main advantages is,
of course, that the system provides reproducible data. There are always minute differences between manual measurements.
One employee pulls slightly tighter than
the other, but the device always measures
in the same way.”
Anne Jeangros, Head of Sanitec/Compression Stockings,
Bern site.
Pictures: Romel Janeski, Bauerfeind, Johannes Arlt
“The system is almost self-explanatory,
and we also received good training from
the Bauerfeind employees. I use the
­Bodytronic 600 to measure for compression stockings and the GenuTrain knee
support. I find it particularly useful for
the stockings. The measurements are
precise and you have them in the system
straight away. You don’t have to take
measurements again for simple follow-up
care. I personally also like the fact that
a precise stocking recommendation is
provided at the end. That way, you don’t
have to find out the sizes yourself after
measurement. This saves me a great
deal of time! Most of our customers
are pleasantly surprised by the modern
technology. It helps us stand out from the
competition even more. Bodytronic really
enhances ORTHO-TEAM’s image.”
MEDICAL
Bauerfeind’s support for research
International scientists honored
Commitment to research and development has always been very important at
Bauerfeind AG. Two awards in the field of phlebology funded by Bauerfeind went
to France and England in 2013.
Conferment of the 2013 Max Ratschow Memorial Medal: Winner Dr. Michel Award ceremony during the IUP World Congress in Boston: Dr. Christopher
R. Perrin (middle), Prof. Eberhard Rabe (left), President of the Curatorium Lattimer (right), winner of the 2013 Bauerfeind Phlebology Award, and
Angiologiae Internationalis and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Thomä, Bauerfeind.
Dr. Hans-Jürgen Thomä, Bauerfeind.
Since 1969, the Ratschow Memorial Medal
has been awarded annually by the Curatorium Angiologiae Internationalis to particularly deserving scientists from the field of
vascular medicine and related disciplines.
Bauerfeind has been a patron of the foundation awarding this medal for a number of
years.
Lifetime achievement award
In 2013, the prestigious lifetime achievement award went to vascular surgeon
Dr. ­Michel R. Perrin. The 81-year-old French
physician with an extensive list of publications to his name has held prominent
positions including President of the French
Society of Phlebology and Vice President
of the International Union of Phlebology
(IUP). He worked as a vascular surgeon in
Lyon, both in hospitals and practices, and
taught as a Professor at Grenoble University
Hospital.
“A lot has happened in the field of vascular
surgery over the past few decades,” says the
Ratschow Medal winner. “For example, when
I was still a young surgeon, deep venous
surgery was taboo.” He sees determining the
effectiveness of the various treatment methods and preventing chronic venous insufficiency using conservative or interventional
treatment as some of the most urgent tasks
for the discipline of phlebology.
R. Lattimer, currently working at Ealing
Hospital in Wallington, received the award
during the IUP World Congress in fall 2013 in
Boston. He impressed the international judging panel of seven members with his study
design on the effectiveness of different compression stockings in patients with chronic
Seventh Bauerfeind Phlebology Award
venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic
syndrome, and lymphedema, and in healthy
Since 2001, Bauerfeind AG has been conferring the Bauerfeind Phlebology Award, which test subjects.
comes with prize money of EUR 20,000, in as- In his current research project , Dr. Lattimer
is primarily interested in finding out which
sociation with the IUP. The aim of the prize
is to honor an exceptionally interesting and of the four patient groups receives the
creative study design in the field of phlebol- most benefit from class 1 and 2 compression stockings in terms of venous drainage
ogy that has a connection to compression
†
performance.
treatment. British physician Dr. Christopher
For further information
on the Bauerfeind awards for scientific achievement , visit
www.bauerfeind.com/special-prizes.
The closing date for applications for the 8th Bauerfeind Phlebology Award is May 31, 2015. The award will be conferred at the
chapter meeting of the IUP in August 2015 in Seoul , South Korea.
life magazin 2014/1
35
IN MOTION
2014 Winter Olympics
Bauerfeind’s service in high demand
Orthoses, supports, orthopedic foot orthoses and medical compression stockings –
Bauerfeind AG shipped more than 5,000 items to Sochi for the Winter Olympic Games.
As part of the service, Bauerfeind teams were on site at the three Olympic polyclinics
from January 30 to February 26, supplying athletes with medical products from Thuringia
to treat or prevent injuries. Here is a review of Bauerfeind’s Olympic activities.
The newest Olympic disciplines proved particularly likely to cause injuries: more than
80 supports and orthoses were given out to
freestylers, skicrossers and snowboarders,
mostly for knee and back problems. Most of
the athletes were able to continue taking
part in their competitions once they had
been provided with Bauerfeind products.
As well as acute injuries, old wounds that
flared up again under excessive strain had
to be treated. Aside from knee and back
36
life magazine 2014/1
problems, the athletes also complained
of joint instability, damaged shoulders
or injured elbows. The patients included
athletes from the new disciplines, as well
as, for example, ice hockey players, alpine
or cross-country skiers, curling players and
bobsledders.
Almost 400 athletes made use of Bauerfeind’s service overall. They came from 54
different countries, including Russia, Switzerland, Canada and China. Athletes from
the smaller teams received treatment too,
such as alpine skiers from Ireland, Liechtenstein and the Virgin Islands or crosscountry skiers from Israel and Iran.
Thanks to two AFT grinding machines on
site, Bauerfeind had the best facilities
available to adapt orthopedic foot orthoses
at the polyclinics. Ice hockey players, speed
skaters and cross-country skiers, who are
particularly prone to foot problems, were
provided with perfectly fitting foot orthoses
for their training and competition shoes.
Medical compression stockings are becoming increasingly popular with winter sports
athletes. They wear them during training
and competitive events, to help the recovery
process and, of course, on long flights. The
athletes therefore often came back to the
polyclinic just before they left Sochi to have
their legs measured for suitable compression
†
stockings. IN MOTION
The congress in Istanbul offered the opportunity for some lively debate.
First International Sports Medicine Conference
Professional diversity
The first International Sports Medicine Congress hosted by
Bauerfeind AG between February 7 and 11 lived up to its name:
more than 160 delegates from ten nations came together in
Istanbul and made the most of their proximity to Sochi by
paying a visit to the Winter Olympic Games.
The main focus of the scientific program was on the back and knee. A lively debate
ensued on a number of topics, including the issue of indications for the surgical treatment of degenerative spine conditions – with regard to both the timing, and the nature
and extent of the surgery. Some consensus could be formed on the issue of timing at
least. Nevertheless, the “right” time to operate is dependent on many factors (including the duration of the symptoms, accompanying diseases, the scope and success of
the conservative treatment) and can often not be determined with absolute certainty.
While some physicians were visiting a hospital in Istanbul , the majority of the Congress
delegates travelled to Sochi. They soaked up some of the Olympic atmosphere at an ice
†
hockey match and luge race.
Pictures: Bauerfeind
life magazine 2014/1
37
IN MOTION
Orthopedic technology in Sochi
Consolidated expertise
There were three Olympic Villages at the 2014 Winter Olympics:
one on the coast and two in the mountains. Each Village had its
own polyclinic, where Bauerfeind ran a “bracing clinic”.
Providing an on-site service in three Olympic
Villages at once proved challenging in terms
of both logistics and personnel. On the one
hand, a sufficient supply of products had to
be guaranteed in all locations at all times. On
the other hand, more orthotists were required
than ever.
From January 30 to February 26, a total
of 13 orthotists were working on site for
Bauerfeind, four of whom had already been
involved in the Games in Vancouver and London. Bauerfeind had strengthened its team
since 2010 and 2012, adding seven experienced orthotists and orthopedic technology
specialists from medical supply retailers that
stock Bauerfeind products. This meant that it
A
could offer a consolidated pool of expertise
in Sochi. After all , every member of the team
was a specialist in providing treatment for
athletes and had also undergone advanced
training in sports orthopedics.
“We have seen how important our on-site
involvement in the polyclinics is,” explains
Lars Birnbaum, Head of Sport Marketing at
Bauerfeind. “Trust in our orthotists plays a
major role in this,” he stresses. “If it wasn’t
for their professional approach and, in particular, their expertise, our Olympic activities
would not have been so successful. Athletes
and support staff are impressed by the quality of our products and are keen to try out
Measuring feet for the individual fitting of
new things, even during the Olympics.” † foot orthoses.
Bauerfeind Austria
Theory and practice in the Arlberg region
In early February, participants in the Winter
Sports Forum held by Bauerfeind Austria had
the chance to catch a glimpse behind the
scenes of elite Olympic sport.
While the Olympic Games got underway in
Sochi, the guests at the Winter Sports Forum
at the Ski Austria Academy in St. Christoph
am Arlberg explored the topic of load control. They saw how precise and finely tuned
training schedules have to be to ensure
that athletes can perform at their peak in
competition.
38
life magazine 2014/1
Picturesque scenery: St. Christoph am Arlberg.
preparations for the Olympics from a coach’s
perspective. This not only involved training,
but also logistical matters, safety, medical
care and preparations immediately before the
competition.
Meanwhile, Wolfgang Pachatz talked about
preparing for his trip to Sochi. An employee
of Bauerfeind Austria, he was involved in
the Paralympic Games in March as a sports
†
physiotherapist.
Pictures: Bauerfeind, Ski Austria Academy
Herbert Mandel ,
head coach of the
Austrian women’s
skiing team from
2002 to 2013.
In the case of the Austrian biathletes, for
example, it was clear that their extensive
training regime leaves them with very little
free time. The theoretical part of the event
was followed by a practical element , as all
of the participants had a go at the biathlon
themselves.
On the second day, Herbert Mandel , head
coach of the Austrian women’s skiing team
from 2002 to 2013, gave an account of
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life magazine 2014/1
39
FOOT ORTHOSES
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