magazine - Bauerfeind

Transcription

Issue summer 2016
magazine
international
In the balance
Ankle therapy
Treatment of diabetic foot
syndrome
Compression therapy during
pregnancy
Modern measurement
technology
Successful network: significantly
fewer amputations
page 22
“Right away for patients with
thrombophilia”
Bodytronic, medilogic and Co.:
“A real image boost”
page 36
page 32
VenoTrain® micro
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EXPECTATIONS «
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EDITORIAL
Dear readers,
team with experience across a range of
disciplines is invaluable, for instance when
treating patients with diabetic foot syndrome
(see page 22) or lymphatic disorders, as
our example from Belgium demonstrates
(page 30).
I hope you enjoy reading the new edition of
Bauerfeind life!
Yours sincerely,
Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind
Pictures: Bauerfeind AG
Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Once again,
For the last 15 years, we have shared news
and information with our German partners in we will be there as an exclusive supplier of
supports and orthoses, foot orthoses and
the fields of medicine, retail and technology
compression stockings. Our production and
through our magazine Bauerfeind life. We
logistics staff are currently working flat out
also began publishing a magazine for the
to prepare some 9,000 products from more
international market in 2010. We are now
than 40 different ranges for the largest
merging both publications into a single
Bauerfeind life magazine, which will be more sporting event in the world. During the
Olympics, our sports orthotists will support
extensive and diverse than ever before and
the physicians and physiotherapists working
will reach tens of thousands of physicians
in the polyclinic at
and medical retailers
the Olympic Village in
worldwide. We will of
“Once again, we will be at the
order to provide quick
course continue to
bring you the latest
Olympics as an exclusive supplier and reliable care to
athletes.
product news, as well
of supports and orthoses, foot
as featuring studies
They will of course be
involving our products orthoses, and compression
taking all manner of
and real-life reports
stockings.”
orthoses and supports
from the people who
for stabilizing the
use them. However,
ankle with them to Rio, as the ankle is
as an international company, in future we
would also like to give our readers even more involved in more sports injuries than any
other body part. It’s no coincidence then
insights into how high-quality medical aids
are used in treatments around the globe. We that we are shining the spotlight on the
hope you enjoy the first “merged” edition of MalleoLoc ankle orthosis in this edition.
Bauerfeind life, which will be published three Its effectiveness has been demonstrated
through studies and, crucially, practical
times a year in German and English.
application. Find out more on page 12.
Speaking of international and diverse, there
is one topic that has been at the forefront of When dealing with sports injuries – and in
fact in all areas of treatment – a coherent
our minds for several months: the Summer
life magazine summer 20163
CONTENTS
Ankle therapy: In the balance – p. 16
Focus
page 16
16Ankle therapy
In the balance
Bauerfeind life Magazine
Printed on chlorine-free paper
20MalleoLoc study
Stabilization of the ankle joint verified
21MalleoLoc ankle orthosis
“The right treatment lays the foundations”
Editor:
Bauerfeind AG
Triebeser Straße 16
07937 Zeulenroda-Triebes, Germany
Tel. +49(0)36628-66-1000
info@bauerfeind.com
www.bauerfeind.com, www.bauerfeind-life.de
Authors and editorial board for this issue:
Jürgen Baden, Kristina Bardele, Astrid Basson, Dr. Uwe Berendt ,
Martin Däumler, Silvia Dethloff-Kuntze, Bernd Festerling,
Eckhard Freund, Simone Gebler, Markus Gerlich, Kirsten
Göpel , Markus Gräßer, Tanu Hertel , Birgit Hollnagel , Peggy
Kajrjakow, Michael Kießling, Solveig Klamt , Romy Ludwig,
Susanne Neubauer, Matthias Overesch, Dr. Gerd Röder, August
Sauerhammer, Dr. Rainer Scheuermann, Ashley Sutz, Dr. HansJürgen Thomä, Michael Ullrich, Rico Wagner, Christian Weyer
Publisher and editorial office:
mk publishing GmbH
Döllgaststraße 7–9,
86199 Augsburg, Germany
Tel. +49(0)821-34457-0
info@mkpublishing.de,
www.mkpublishing.de
4
Title image
Balancing act: the ankle is put under
exceptional stress on wobbly surfaces,
such as here on a treatment unit.
Bauerfeind offers a wide range of
supports and orthoses to help patients
who have suffered ankle injuries.
Pictures: Bauerfeind, Conny Kurz, Ronald Zijlstra, Fotolia.com/SeanPavonePhoto
IMPRINT:
CONTENTS
Spinova: Rapid effect – p. 24
Strain symptoms at the patella – p. 26
Thrombosis prophylaxis – p. 32
Place to be: Singapore – p. 42
Medical
page 22
22Treatment of diabetic foot syndrome
Successful network
24Spinova lumbar orthoses
Rapid effect
25Flexible postoperative care
“Some people never take them off again”
26GenuPoint relieves strain symptoms at
the patella
“Tendons might not be very sexy, but
they are important”
28GenuTrain P3 active support
Versatile knee protection
29Behind the scenes at the Surf World Cup
Made of tough stuff
3Editorial
4Imprint
6 World of Bauerfeind
12News
48Contact
50People
30“Het Lymfehuis” in Antwerp/Belgium
“The establishment of a place like this
is long overdue”
32Compression therapy during pregnancy I
“Right away for patients with thrombophilia”
Retail
page 36
36Modern measurement technology in the
provision of medical aid
39Three-zone TRIactive foot orthosis
“It virtually sells itself”
Background
page 40
40A medical specialist offers his views on
second opinions
“Specialist knowledge is a must”
41A representative from a health insurance
provider offers his views on second opinions
“An interdisciplinary point of view is
helpful”
Place to be
page 42
42A visit to the Lion City
Fascinating diversity
34Compression therapy during pregnancy II
“The level of acceptance is good”
Stimulus
35VenoTrain micro and VenoTrain soft
Targeted relief
46Brand ambassador Dirk Nowitzki
“He’s the perfect fit for us”
page 46
Picture: Andrea Gilardi
WORLD OF BAUERFEIND
6
WORLD OF BAUERFEIND
Bella figura on the
wakeboard
➊ Wakeboarding can be described as a cross between snowboarding,
surfing and waterskiing. In any case, 20-year-old Nicolò Caimi from Italy
could not imagine any more beautiful sport. The 2012 European champion
in wakeboarding loves the combination of speed, complex jumps and
maneuvers. He knows from his own experience how hard the sport is on
the knees, with all the turns and hard landings on the water after jumps.
After winning his championship title, he had to undergo cruciate ligament
and meniscus surgery, among other treatments. In 2014, he discovered the
GenuTrain S and was convinced right away: “I immediately felt an incredible
stability, beyond comparison with any other product. GenuTrain S helps me
with movement control and I feel more secure wearing it.” His big goal now
†
is to become world champion. life magazine summer 20167
7
Pictures: Kaspars Garda, Foto Studio 5
WORLD OF BAUERFEIND
8
WORLD OF BAUERFEIND
Fun on the beach in Latvia
Finish line at Piazza Santa Croce
➋ He first rose to prominence on the indoor courts before
transferring his skills to the sand: Latvian volleyball and
beach volleyball player Jānis Šmēdiņš is a well-known name
on the volleyball scene in Germany and Latvia. He claimed
a bronze medal for his country at the Summer Olympic
Games in London and won the Beach Volleyball European
Championship in Klagenfurt in the summer of 2015. The
atmosphere was somewhat more relaxed a few weeks later in
Jūrmala, a resort in the Gulf of Riga (pictured), where Jānis
was setting and passing the ball while wearing a GenuTrain
on his knee and enjoying the relief and stabilization
†
provided by the active support. ➌ Once again, Bauerfeind Italy will be on hand as a sponsor
of the Venice Marathon (October 23, 2016) and the Florence
Marathon (November 27, 2016). The Bauerfeind booth will
be showcasing the company’s Training and Performance
compression socks as well as Train active supports.
The Florence Marathon (2015 edition pictured here) is
considered one of the most beautiful races of this quite
challenging sport. Fiorella Buzzanca, Marketing Manager
at Bauerfeind Italy, shares her advice for succeeding at
the Venice Marathon: “Save some of your energy for the
last two miles, which will take you over Venice’s iconic
†
small bridges ...”
9
Pictures: Leipziger Messe/Martin Klindtworth, Blow Up agency
WORLD OF BAUERFEIND
10
WORLD OF BAUERFEIND
OTWorld: a great showcase for Bodytronic ID:CAM
➍ A total of 21,000 visitors from more than 80 countries, as well
as approximately 550 exhibiting companies, make OTWorld in
Leipzig, Germany, the world’s leading trade show for prosthetics,
orthotics, orthopedic footwear, compression therapy, and technical
rehabilitation. Naturally, Bauerfeind had a presence at the event at
the beginning of May. The company’s stand provided information on
the Bauerfeind product portfolio, and especially Bodytronic ID:CAM,
which helps ensure precise and rapid production of milled foot
orthoses. Visitors to the Bauerfeind stand were able to test this new
Web application by modeling foot orthoses, which were milled there
†
and then. Isokinetic Conference in London
➎ The Isokinetic Medical Group is dedicated to the treatment of sports
injuries, orthopedic rehabilitation, and associated research activities.
In April 2016, physicians and physiotherapists met in London for
the 25th Isokinetic Conference, which focused on medical strategies
for soccer injuries under the motto “Return to Play.” Bauerfeind UK
and Bauerfeind Italy were on hand at the accompanying industry
exhibition to provide information on various possibilities for using
†
medical aids in the treatment of athletes.
11
NEWS
Bauerfeind’s new line of sports products
Driven by a passion for sport
Bauerfeind is expanding its range of products
to include a sports line featuring supports,
compression clothing, and foot orthoses
for sports shoes. The product line unites a
passion for exercise with the trend toward
self-optimization, especially in running and
team sports.
Anna Hahner is a Bauerfeind
brand ambassador for
compression and supports.
Vitalizing: Sports Compression Line
The Sports Compression Line features
compression clothing made from breathable
high-tech microfibers. It includes sleeves
for arms and for upper and lower legs and
Run & Walk compression socks especially for
endurance sports. Their medical compression
technology stimulates circulation, thus
improving the transport of oxygen around
the muscle. Ball & Racket compression socks
for ball sports boast impressive zone-specific
compression, meaning pressure is applied
where “stop-and-go” sports need it most: on
the ankle and the calf.
Stabilizing: Sports Support Line
The supports in the Sports Support Line
improve ankle, knee and elbow movement
and strengthen the back. Their anatomically
contoured knitted fabric is a fine and airy net
mesh that surrounds the body like a second
skin. The special 3D Airknit Technology makes
the supports particularly light , maximizing
their effectiveness during movement , while
their knitted fabric and incorporated pads
massage the relevant body part.
The light and airy
knitted fabric makes
the sports supports
extremely comfortable to wear.
Further information
www.bauerfeind-sports.com (website in German and English) The products will
initially be available in Germany, Austria, the Benelux region, the USA, and China.
If you are interested in the sports product line: email: info@bauerfeind-sports.com;
service hotline: +49 (0)800-001 05 70.
Customers from the USA should contact the service hotline: 1-800-423-3405;
email: info@bauerfeindusa.com; www.bauerfeind.com/b2c/
12
Alongside supports, the line also includes
special products like the Sports Knee Strap
and the Sports Elbow Strap. By applying
targeted pressure to the patellar tendon or
the forearm muscles, they provide relief and
thus counteract high loads. The Sports Elbow
Brace helps to control the quick force release
of the arm better and protect the elbows from
hyperextension.
Supportive: Sports Insole Line
The three foot orthoses in the Sports Insole
Line produce a precise load-balancing
effect. The Run & Walk, Ball & Racket and Ski
& Skate versions protect , cushion, and guide
the foot’s movement , thus offsetting loads
that can have a long-term negative impact
on the knees, hips and back.
The flexible
orthotic core
with integrated
Weightflex-X
supports and
guides the foot
from underneath.
Pictures: Bauerfeind, istockphoto.com/isitsharp
The new product line is designed for athletes
who want their movements to feel safe
and secure and are looking for ways to
optimize their performance. They have been
developed based on Bauerfeind’s medical
expertise and many years of experience in
treating top athletes.
NEWS
Bauerfeind at the Summer Olympic Games
The final countdown to Rio 2016
At the 31st Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Bauerfeind will once again be on hand
as an expert partner to provide medical aids to athletes. The company will also be hosting
the second International Sports Medicine Congress for physicians in the city overlooked by
Sugarloaf Mountain.
Bauerfeind will have moved into its
orthopedic service station in the Olympic
Village long before the Summer Games are
officially opened at the legendary Maracanã
stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 5. As
was the case for the 2010, 2012 and 2014
Olympic Games, the company is once again an
exclusive supplier of supports and orthoses,
foot orthoses and compression stockings
at this year’s Olympics. But that’s not all:
a team of experienced sports orthotists
will also be working in close cooperation
The Maracanã stadium
was built for the 1950
with physicians and physiotherapists in the
FIFA World Cup.
polyclinic of the Olympic Village. The ideal
product for the athlete will be selected and
then customized with the aid of modern
measurement technology.
methods of treating injuries and strains.
Experts and practitioners from different
Global forum for experts
countries will have the opportunity to come
together to exchange experiences and
Providing medical treatment to people
treatment strategies. “It’s not often that
involved in the Olympics is undoubtedly
you have the opportunity to get right up
a special challenge. At the second
close to elite sport , with such a wide array of
International Sports Medicine Congress
athletes, coaches and medical support teams
and customer events from August 3 to 23,
Bauerfeind will be providing an insight into from different disciplines. At the congress,
participants will be able to experience the
working with top athletes.
sporting world and hear individual ideas
The scientific program for the congress
about how injuries occur, enabling them to
will focus on the ankle, knee, elbow and
get involved in the entire treatment chain,”
back care areas. Alongside prevention and
says Dr. Stefan Klima, scientific director of
rehabilitation in the context of sporting
the second International Sports Medicine
injuries, the program also covers the latest
Congress, which will be taking place at the
ABBR (Associação Brasileira Beneficente
de Reabilitação), the oldest rehabilitation
clinic in Rio de Janeiro. “The aura that
surrounds the Olympics is unique and will be
felt at our congress too,” asserts Dr. Klima.
A great number of Bauerfeind customers
from the fields of orthopedic technology and
medical retail will also have the opportunity
to get in on the action and gain insights into
the world of medical treatment , for instance
on a visit to the German and Austrian
Houses, in discussions with staff at Olympic
medical facilities, and at meetings with
†
athletes.
Rio de Janeiro is the first
South American city to host
the Olympic Games.
NEWS
VenoTrain micro design edition
New silicone lace band with
increased elasticity
The VenoTrain micro design edition thigh-high stockings are
now available with the new “Sensitive” silicone lace band. Its
ultra-thin, continuous silicone coating sticks to the skin better
and guarantees a secure fit during movement. The highly elastic,
flexible material adapts to the wearer’s thigh circumference. This
prevents the stockings from becoming too tight and helps avoid
skin irritation. The high degree of elasticity means this silicone
lace band no longer needs to be produced in both a regular and
wide size, making the compression stockings easier to order
and store. The VenoTrain micro design edition is available in all
standard and fashion colors in either the “Tango” double-stripe
†
pattern or the “Jive” striped cable-knit design. The highly elastic “Sensitive” silicone lace band.
New: GloboTec Comfort “Style” hallux foot orthosis
Flexible hallux rigidus foot orthosis
At the early signs of hallux rigidus, the new
GloboTec Comfort “Style” hallux foot orthosis
relieves the strain on the metatarsophalangeal
joint of the big toe without completely limiting
mobility. In order to achieve this, the integrated,
long-sole reinforcement element is less rigid and
has a special relief on the lateral side. The cutouts
in the outer region of the toes are designed to
direct the gait pattern toward the outside of the
foot in the last phase, relieving the strain on the
painful area. The padded cushion layer, which also
has a long-sole design, ensures optimum wearing
comfort. In addition, the hallux foot orthosis from
the GloboTec Comfort “Style” range is lighter and
smaller than similar orthoses for this condition.
It is fully thermoformable and can therefore be
†
adjusted to perfectly meet patients’ needs. Perceptible relief
for hallux rigidus.
ManuTrain wrist support
Put the support on in no time with the donning aid for the ManuTrain.
14
When wrists become painful , the ManuTrain support
can help. Since April , a blue donning aid has been
provided in every pack. This practical addition saves
time and energy when putting on the support , since
the hand and forearm slide between two slim layers
as with a glove. The ManuTrain thus surrounds the
wrist more quickly and massages it when it moves.
Two anatomically contoured pads protect nerves
and protruding bones against pressure peaks in a
targeted way. The new donning aid makes everyday
treatment easier every time you use it. Its easycare material is especially tear-resistant. It is very
thin, weighing only a few grams. A donning aid also
comes as standard with all our ankle supports with a
†
closed heel.
Pictures: Bauerfeind
Now with donning aid
DIARY DATES
September 2016
VenoTrain act
Displayed in their best light
With the new floor display, counter
display, and brochure, retailers can
now show off VenoTrain act support
stockings in their best light. In
conjunction with the introduction of
these new display options, Bauerfeind
is running the following offers for its
retailers in Germany: order 12 pairs of
stockings and receive if requested a
free counter display. Or: buy 30 pairs of
stockings and receive a free floor display
and VenoTrain act sheer elegance color
sample ring on request. While stocks
last.
VenoTrain act is a well-being product
for health-conscious customers. The
stockings prevent heavy and tired
legs, and are recommended for people
who have to sit or stand a lot or are
planning to take a long flight. VenoTrain
act is available in three versions – the
fashionably transparent , full-fashioned
“sheer elegance” stocking, the classic
“cotton active” knee-high stocking, and
the modern “microfiber active” kneehigh stocking with a high microfiber
†
content. September 1–3, 2016
7th Zeulenroda Congress for Orthopedics
& Sports Orthopedics, Zeulenroda-Triebes,
Germany, www.zeulenrodaer-kongress.de
September 7–10, 2016
17th Three-Country Conference of the
German, Austrian and Swiss Societies of
Angiology in conjunction with the 58th
Annual Conference of the German Society of
Phlebology (DGP), Dresden, Germany,
www.angio-phlebo-logie-2016.net
September 22–24, 2016
40th Annual Congress of the German
Society of Lymphology, Hof, Germany,
www.lymphologie-kongress.de
September 30–October 1, 2016
Joint DGSP-DGPR Congress for Sports
Medicine and Cardiovascular Prevention and
Rehabilitation, Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
www.gib-dem-risiko-keine-chance.de
Attractive eye-catcher:
the new floor display for
VenoTrain act.
October 2016
October 20–23, 2016
Medical aids
New prescription information cards
for general practitioners and internists
General practitioners and internists in
Germany can now use a prescription
information card that is specifically
tailored to their daily business,
making it easier to prescribe the
correct product. On the card,
they will find a selection of
supports, orthoses, foot orthoses
and compression stockings that they can
prescribe by name for common conditions. This will also
benefit patients, as they will receive treatment more quickly. The
medical products can be prescribed without any budgetary constraints and
can be combined with other measures such as injections into the joint
or physiotherapy. The compact , handy prescription information card fits
perfectly in a jacket pocket , features a tab for fast searching, and lists each
product along with its indications and the associated medical product
number in the directory of statutory health insurance schemes. More
information on prescriptions with no budgetary constraints can be found
in the document published by the manufacturers’ federation eurocom e. V.,
“Die Verordnung von Hilfsmitteln in der vertragsärztlichen Versorgung”
†
[Prescribing medical products in statutory healthcare].
17th Congress of the Asian Society
for Vascular Surgery (ASVS) and
11th Asian Venous Forum, Singapore,
www.asvs2016.com
October 25–28, 2016
German Congress of Orthopedics and
Traumatology (DKOU), Berlin, Germany,
www.dkou.org
November 2016
November 11–12, 2016 33rd Trauma Surgery Seminar of the DGUV,
Mainz, Germany,
www.dguv.de/landesverbaende
December 2016
December 1–3, 2016
11th German Spine Congress – Annual
Conference of the German Spine Society
(DWG), Hanover, Germany,
www.dwg-kongress.de
Picture: istockphoto.com/lzf
FOCUS
16
FOCUS
Ankle therapy
In the balance
Conservative, functional treatment is the
established route in cases of ankle injury,
but opinion is often divided when it comes
to specific measures. With recurrence rates
startlingly high, one treatment step has
come into focus – stabilization of the joint
to counteract supination. Orthoses reduce
inversion movements and enable controlled
loading of the ankle. Their effectiveness
has been demonstrated through studies and
practical application.
The numbers speak for themselves: 40 percent of all sports
injuries involve the same part of the body – the ankle. By
far the most common one is lateral twisting of the foot ,
also known as spraining, which usually affects the lateral
capsular ligaments. Sprains are prevalent outside of sport
too, ranking among the most frequent everyday injuries. It
>>>
is no coincidence that sprains are so common.
FOCUS
Barely anything to see during sonography: Olaf Hinze being checked over by Dr. Sven Authorsen two weeks after the sprain.
Evening out impact
The forces that arise during walking,
running and jumping are directed through a
structure that is both complex and fragile.
Nature has built a considerable degree
of sturdiness into the ankle. Normally, a
compact joint capsule firmly holds the
functional upper and lower parts together,
secured by strong ligaments. However, if the
foot tilts, everything changes. Just a few
millimeters in the wrong direction and you
end up with a sprain. The capsule ligaments,
which are normally so strong, are suddenly
very weak when the foot first makes contact
with the ground in the wrong position.
18
The leverage forces are tremendous, as Olaf
Hinze found out the hard way. The 46-yearold was playing indoor football with his
teammates when it happened to him. “I
was just about to start dribbling the ball ,”
says the amateur footballer, reliving the
fateful moment. “The problem was, my left
foot didn’t want to come with me.” The
consequence of this delay was a classic
football injury – supination trauma, the
most common form of sprain.
Combating recurring injury
This was the first time that Olaf Hinze had
sprained his ankle, which is unusual for
someone his age. Supination trauma is so
common that lack of attention to this injury
and its dangers is a widespread problem –
especially when it comes to considering the
risk of the injury recurring. Statistics have
shown that almost one third of all people
who have sprained their ankle still suffer
from chronic complaints in the form of new
It’s very important to the physician that the MalleoLoc fits perfectly. Patient Olaf Hinze appreciates
the feeling of security that the orthosis gives him.
Pictures: Stefan Durstewitz
>>> The ankle acts as the body’s outpost
and, ultimately, makes walking and running
possible. The interaction between the
upper and lower parts of the ankle is what
drives the forward motion, as the foot is
lifted, lowered and rotated. The upper ankle
in particular is extremely susceptible to
injury. The parts that form the ankle joint
– the talus, fibula and tibia – are subjected
to a great deal of stress. When standing,
a person’s full body weight bears down on
this hinge joint , while running or jumping
can create a load on the joint structure that
is equal to three or four times the person’s
body weight.
FOCUS
sprains or persistent instability years after
the initial injury (see reference 1). There
is also a significant risk of osteoarthritis.
However, at the moment when the injury
occurs, there is a more pressing concern.
The thought that ran through Olaf Hinze’s
head was “I hope the ligaments don’t tear.”
They were indeed fine, but the physician’s
diagnosis after the MRI scan was little
consolation for the amateur footballer from
Velbert: “First-to second-degree sprain,
distension of the posterior talofibular
ligament , normal anterior talofibular
ligament , clear lateral bleeding into the
subcutaneous fatty tissue.”
Not a trivial injury
The injury that football enthusiast Olaf
sustained for the first time is all too
common to his treating orthopedist , Dr. Sven
Authorsen. “Every week, we see around
three to four sprains in our practice,” says
the specialist in orthopedics and trauma
surgery who works in Heiligenhaus, near
Essen, Germany. “One misstep is all it takes,”
says Dr. Authorsen (see also the interview on
p. 21). “People of all ages come to us with
sprains of varying degrees of severity,” he
adds. “Sometimes the ligaments are intact ,
sometimes they’re only torn slightly, and
sometimes there’s a major tear, but usually
they’re significantly distended.” According
to this physician, one factor is especially
important when it comes to treatment: time.
More precisely, the time that has elapsed
between the injury and adequate initial
treatment. Time and again, Dr. Authorsen
sees patients who have waited too long
because they didn’t think it was necessary
to seek medical care. “If I can reduce the
swelling early on, then I can progress to the
next stage of treatment relatively quickly,”
says the orthopedist. “This allows me to
take effective action against the risk of
the injury recurring.” On the evening of
his accident , Olaf Hinze followed the rule
familiar to all footballers – RICE (Rest , Ice,
Compression, Elevation) – before going
straight to Dr. Authorsen the next morning.
Because the swelling was moderate, the
physician didn’t have to use a tape bandage
and simply prescribed the MalleoLoc
orthosis. Dr. Authorsen often opts for this
ankle orthosis when treating his patients
in order to expedite the rehabilitation
phase, which involves the early stages of
functional therapy, while preventing a new
sprain. “Compared to other orthoses, it has
the great advantage that its sole is rigid too,
which provides a good amount of stability
ankle, Olaf is back at Dr. Authorsen’s practice
for a follow-up appointment – and there is
barely any swelling or bruising to be seen.
The patient stands with both his feet on a
crash mat. The physician explains that this is
Crash mat as a training surface
to help him see how it feels to tilt his ankle
again and to start regaining some stability. To
Sleeping in the MalleoLoc is exactly what
illustrate his point , the orthopedist throws a
Olaf Hinze did, at least for the first night ,
because it provided such a feeling of security. pen to Olaf, who catches it deftly, with just a
hint of strain in his smile – and the MalleoLoc
The next day, the IT project manager went
on his left foot. This patient looks to be well
about his daily business as usual in the
prepared for his upcoming physiotherapy. As
office, wearing the orthosis in his shoe. “I
†
for a repeat injury? Not a chance.
was pleased to have it ,” he says. “Without
its support , I wouldn’t have been able to
Ref. 1: Hubbard TJ, Hicks-Little CA. Ankle ligament healing
walk around visiting my colleagues, or get up after an acute ankle sprain: an evidence-based approach.
the stairs.” Two weeks after he sprained his
J Athl Train. 2008 Sept-Oct; 43(5):523-9.
for counteracting supination,” says the
physician. It can be used with or without
shoes – “The patient can even wear it in the
shower or while sleeping.”
Test passed: standing on one leg on a soft surface requires a stable ankle in order to keep one’s
balance.
FOCUS
MalleoLoc study
Stabilization of the ankle joint verified
The Institute of Sport and Sport Science
at the University of Freiburg, Germany, has
conducted a controlled laboratory study
into the stabilizing effect of the MalleoLoc
ankle orthosis. Test subjects with unilateral
chronic ankle instability wore the orthosis
in a simulated injury scenario. The study
showed that the MalleoLoc reduces the
extent of simulated inversion movements
and thus protects the upper ankle joint from
damaging supination without restricting the
patient‘s normal gait (see reference 2).
The results showed that a reduction in the
maximum joint inversion and the inversion
speed was achieved with the orthosis. The
reduction is more pronounced when the
injury scenario is not anticipated. In the
simulation of the sprain movement , the
orthosis did not restrict plantar flexion and
thus had no impact on the normal gait. “This
study is the first to investigate the extent to
which an orthosis affects the biomechanics
of the simulated injury mechanism of
a supination trauma when a person is
walking,” says study director Dr. Dominic
Gehring. “The results clearly show that the
MalleoLoc orthosis can provide functional
stability to the ankle in a situation that
could cause injury. This explains why injury
rates can be significantly reduced through
the application of semirigid orthoses.” †
Ref. 2: Gehring D, et al. Expecting ankle tilts and wearing
an ankle brace influence joint control in an imitated ankle
sprain mechanism during walking. Gait Posture (2013).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2013.11.016
Results (selection):
Max. speed of inversion
Inversion with max. angle
400
20
-13%
350
15
300
12,5
250
Speed (°/s)
Angle (°)
17,5
10
7,5
200
150
5
100
2,5
50
0
0
p = 0.001
p = 0.008
Without orthosis, unexpected
-38°/s
When the orthosis
is worn and the test
subjects are not
anticipating the
injury scenario, the
angle of maximum
joint inversion and
the inversion speed
are both reduced.
With orthosis, unexpected
Among other things, the MalleoLoc ankle
orthosis can be used to treat capsular
ligament strains and ligament ruptures
caused by mild to severe sprains. The orthosis
protects against further spraining and relieves
the outer ligaments. The combination of an
asymmetric frame and a specially designed
Velcro strap system stabilizes the upper ankle
and counteracts any talar shifting.
The MalleoLoc allows a high degree of
freedom of movement. It enables a natural
heel-to-toe movement of the foot both with
and without shoes. Plantar flexion and dorsal
extension are not restricted. A plantar guide
in the lateral sole region stimulates the
dorsiflexion muscles (particularly the tibialis
anterior and peroneus longus muscles) via
20
the sensorimotor receptors. This accelerates
the engagement of the muscles, bringing the
foot into a neutral position more quickly.
Thanks to the anatomical shape of the talus,
this position provides greater protection for
the upper ankle than a position of plantar
flexion. This approach uses sensorimotor
function to achieve effective, long-term
stabilization that counteracts supination,
which may help to prevent spraining and
supination trauma. The mobilization function
of the MalleoLoc makes it especially suited
to early functional treatment of the lateral
†
ligaments.
MalleoLoc fits snugly on the foot
and can be worn without difficulty
in almost any sturdy shoe.
Pictures: Bauerfeind, Stefan Durstewitz
MalleoLoc: freedom for the ankle
FOCUS
MalleoLoc ankle orthosis
“The right treatment lays the
foundations”
Ankle injuries are not to be taken lightly – Dr. Sven Authorsen is sure of that.
The orthopedist stresses the importance of rapid, adequate treatment that
prevents further injury in the case of a sprain. For him, orthoses are the foundation
upon which recovery is built.
What factors are crucial when treating a
sprain?
Dr. Authorsen: Whether or not it becomes a
serious injury is down to the therapist. The
high rate of recurring injury shows that many
sprains do not heal to a satisfactory degree.
This is why we must think about stabilizing
the joint right from the outset. If I choose
the right treatment straightaway, I also lay
the right foundations for the next stage. The
MalleoLoc is a great example of this.
How does the ankle orthosis work?
Dr. Authorsen: It can be adapted to the
patient’s body shape, ensuring a good
fit – which is a fundamental requirement
if a repeat injury is to be avoided. I make
absolutely certain that it fits properly.
What’s important is that the orthosis allows
me to focus on functional treatment at an
early stage and vary the load that the joint
is subjected to. You can also do this with a
tape bandage, but it’s much more difficult.
I usually instruct patients to wear the
MalleoLoc for three weeks. During this time,
the rigid sole of the orthosis also stimulates
the sensorimotor function of plantar flexion,
which is an important preventive tool.
Afterwards, I recommend the MalleoTrain
for six weeks. This supports proprioception
during movement. After that , patients come
in for a final check-up.
There is often a very long time between a
person sustaining an injury and a physician
treating them. What can you do to prevent this?
Dr. Authorsen: It’s not always the fault of the
unsuspecting patient who thinks that such
a minor injury will get better quickly. The
notorious slump in people seeing physicians
at the weekend is often the problem. By the
time someone has had to go to the emergency
room, the horse has usually already bolted.
Dr. Sven Authorsen in his
orthopedic practice in
Heiligenhaus, Germany.
Clinics are rarely equipped to deal with such
injuries, either in terms of staff or equipment.
An ointment dressing prescribed by a firstyear assistant physician cannot be considered
adequate treatment. And there are never any
functional aids at these clinics. This means
that the swelling lasts longer, prolonging
the healing phase unnecessarily. The main
problem here is that waiting three days to
start proper treatment adds three weeks onto
the overall recovery time.
How important is prevention?
Dr. Authorsen: It plays a vital role and is
something we should be teaching even to
children. This is something that the German
Professional Association of Orthopedic
Surgeons has recognized. Physicians like
me visit schools and take a close look at
pupils’ feet. If someone has a weak foot or
ankle, solutions such as foot orthoses with
proprioceptive action can help to build a
†
healthy defense against sprains.
MEDICAL
Treatment of diabetic foot syndrome
Successful network
“What happens to people with diabetic foot syndrome depends on the efficiency of local
structures,” says Dr. Peter Mauckner. Patients in the Cologne/Leverkusen metropolitan area
are lucky in this regard, as Mauckner, a diabetes specialist , and several of his colleagues
have established an extremely successful network in the region.
A missed target and a somewhat shocking
study – those were the two driving forces
that accelerated the establishment of
the Netzwerk Diabetischer Fuß Köln und
Umgebung e.V. (www.fussnetz-koeln.de). The
St. Vincent Declaration of 1989 had called
for a 50-percent reduction in the number
of diabetes-related amputations in Europe
within five years. “When the Leverkusen
Amputation Reduction Study1 was released
in 2000, it became disturbingly clear to us
that we were extremely far from achieving the
target in Germany,” says Dr. Peter Mauckner,
Chief Senior Physician for Diabetology
at St. Remigius Hospital in the Opladen
district of Leverkusen. “At the same time,
no one realized that the relevant figures for
Germany, which when extrapolated would
amount to 30,000 amputations per year,
were actually pretty good.”2 Still , Germany
as a whole was suddenly taking a closer look
at the “bad situation” in Leverkusen. “And
22
we in Leverkusen couldn’t stand idly by, of
course,” Mauckner explains. That’s because
the specialists in Cologne/Leverkusen had
already been looking for ways to improve the
treatment of diabetic foot ulcers for quite
some time.
was and remains the family physician, as it’s
important to get general practitioners to
find diabetes patients and direct them to the
network,” Mauckner explains. “However, we
managed to do this very successfully with
Binding structural quality
“It was clear that without intensive
interdisciplinary cooperation, we would not
be able to get diabetes-related secondary
diseases under control ,” says Mauckner.
Together with a group of medical colleagues,
he therefore launched a painstaking and
groundbreaking initiative for creating
structural and process-related quality
standards for everyone involved in the
treatment of diabetics. This was no easy
task, particularly because the concept also
meant incorporating professionals from
many different sectors and disciplines into
the project. “A key player in this respect
“The amputation rate in our
Netzwerk Diabetischer Fuß
was 72 percent lower than
the general rate.”
(Dr. Peter Mauckner)
the help of training sessions and periodic
quality workshops. We also developed our
own control component in the form of
coordinating physicians. In other words,
we have doctors for both the inpatient
and outpatient side of things who assume
overall responsibility for the treatment of
individual diabetes patients and coordinate
Pictures: istockphoto.com/portishead1, Stefan Durstewitz, Bauerfeind
The coordinating physician collects all the information on patient treatments.
MEDICAL
all the associated steps. For example, the
coordinating physician at our hospital ,
St. Remigius, is the internist.” With this
kind of setup, hospitalized patients are
not sent from one department to another;
instead, each member of the network visits
patients directly at their beds, while the
coordinating physician is responsible for
all the documentation. “Documentation is
very important to us,” says Mauckner. “For
example, we all agreed to implement a clear
and understandable system of mandatory
documentation of all results. This was not
just important for us and the patients; it
also gave us leverage during the tough
but ultimately successful negotiations we
conducted to obtain initial funding for the
network from the health insurance providers.”
The provider companies wanted to make
sure that the network would generate costsaving potential. “Thanks to our extensive
documentation, we were able to demonstrate
that the amputation rate in our Netzwerk
Diabetischer Fuß was 72 percent lower than
the general rate,” says Mauckner. Moreover,
the rate of major amputations (above the
ankle) declined to approximately two percent.
By comparison, the average for Germany as a
whole is eight percent.
Applying expertise in a targeted manner
Network members include diabetologists,
surgeons, angiologists, podologists, and
Diabetologist Dr. Peter Mauckner.
ErgoPad Soft
Softly cushioned
ErgoPad Soft is suitable for, among others,
diabetics in risk class 0 and groups at risk of
suffering from diabetes. The foot orthosis
creates a comfortably soft bed for your feet
and provides durable cushioning thanks to
its specially developed polyurethane-based
Vepur soft foam pad. The material is viscoelastic, which means your feet will mold
the orthosis into a comfortable shape while
you wear it. ErgoPad Soft has excellent
shape retention: the foam always returns
to its original shape without manipulation.
The soft cushioning foot orthoses therefore offer guaranteed long-lasting shock
absorption and excellent wearing comfort in
the long term. The foot orthosis is thermo-
formable, allowing it to be optimally adapted
to the foot. The ErgoPad Soft orthotic blank
is available in a soft or firm version, with or
†
without a microfiber top cover.
orthotists. The key aspect of a network
arrangement is that everyone does what
they reasonably can (but no more) when
called upon, and then enlists the help of
the respective specialist. “Everyone in the
network has an equal standing,” Mauckner
explains. “Consider the case of a surgeon
who performs highly specialized operations
such as bypasses or flap transplantations.
As soon as the patient is ‘let loose,’ the most
important individual is now the podologist ,
whose job is to determine whether calluses
have formed on the patient’s foot. If this
is the case, the patient is then quickly sent
to the family physician or the coordinating
physician in order to get a foot orthosis
prescribed that will ease the pressure.” And
speaking of foot orthoses: “One of the main
cost issues when treating diabetes patients
involves the extensive use of custom-made
orthopedic shoes, which isn’t always helpful.
Because the family physicians and podologists
in our network are aware of this issue, we
can now get to patients at a very early stage
and prescribe a soft cushioning foot orthosis
to relieve the pressure. We’ve also moved
away from the full-layer hard foot orthoses
common in the Chantelau era, although these
represented a very innovative and pioneering
approach at the time. Today, we prefer more
extensive pressure distribution and offer
treatment based on PG 31.03.07 – making
use of the transverse and lengthways arches
of the foot and combining this approach with
possibilities for local pressure relief.” Still ,
regardless of whether it’s custom or readymade shoes with sole reinforcement and a
suitable foot orthosis, the important thing is
to check both the foot and the medical aid on
a regular basis in order to identify changes
and respond to them before they become
problematic.
The foot orthosis displays
a high degree of shape
retention, thanks to its
Vepur soft foam pad.
Second opinions prior to amputations
In order to further reduce the amputation
rate for diabetic feet , the network also
launched a major media campaign on second
opinions several years ago. Even today, the
network offers non-network hospitals the
possibility to obtain an independent opinion
within two days on whether a planned
amputation is actually necessary or if other
options are feasible. “The hospitals frequently
take advantage of this service because our
process quality is now justiciable,” Mauckner
explains. “Unfortunately, one problem
remains – namely the fact that you can still
make a lot of money with amputations.” †
1 Trautner C, Haastert B, Spraul M, et al. Unchanged incidence
of lower-limb amputations in a German City, 1990-1998.
Diabetes Care. 2001 May; 24(5):855-9.
2 In February 2016, the German Diabetes Association (DDG)
cited a figure of approximately 50,000 diabetes-related foot
amputations that were being performed each year.
MEDICAL
Spinova lumbar orthoses
Rapid effect
The decision to enter a new segment with the development of a complete
system of innovative back orthoses was a courageous move. Three years on,
Spinova lumbar orthoses have become a fixture in the medical supply sector.
The back is a highly sensitive part of the
body – and no one is more aware of this
fact than physicians and their patients. But
another group of professionals knows all
about the healthcare challenges that the
lumbar region presents: product developers
and orthopedic technicians possess a wealth
of experience of care requirements for the
lower spine region. Physicians prescribing
treatment rightfully expect that the
therapeutic devices they select will enable
them to tailor their care to the individual
needs of their patients. But care solutions
that meet the needs of the therapist
while also boasting high levels of patient
acceptance are few and far between.
Systematic straightening
In this context , the feedback forthcoming from
the Lake Constance region of Germany is all
“Bauerfeind is a perfect fit for
our modern and high-quality
range. We know that we can rely
on the products.”
(Daniel Trapp)
Daniel Trapp,
Managing Director
of medical supply
retailer Trapp in
Friedrichshafen.
24
Torx screwdriver, bridging frame, tensioning strap system: three key elements used to adjust the
lumbar orthosis Spinova Unload Plus.
Daniel Trapp. “We’ve been using the products
for a long time and know that we can rely on
them.” In return, he adds, Trapp knows that its
ideas and suggestions will be taken on board.
René Feldmann is a product expert who works
closely with the customer, and the orthopedic
technician is responsible for modifying
Spinova for Trapp. “Back patients are in a
great deal of pain,” explains the experienced
technical expert. “When I tell the customer
about the system and adapt it to suit them for
the very first time, I’m always astounded by
what I see,” says René Feldmann: “With each
incremental adjustment , the patients sit in a
more upright position. They no longer need
to evade the pain. The more stability they are
given, the more relief they feel.”
More options for follow-up treatment
A few turns of the integrated adjustment
screws is usually all it takes to achieve a
perfectly fitted Spinova system, based on the
specifications of the prescribing physician. A
Torx screwdriver is often the most important
tool in René Feldmann’s kit. The technician
uses the tool to adjust the power of the variable tensioning strap system, which is fitted
precisely over the individual segments of the
spine. “Just a few turns is all it takes for me
to see a rapid effect in posture correction.”
While for some, the solution serves as a fast
method of confirming the effect of the work
done with a patient , for others, it opens up
brand new treatment opportunities: “When
I can use the tensioning strap system to
Pictures: Conny Kurz, Bauerfeind
the more pleasing. The medical supply retailer
Trapp, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, was
one of the very first retailers to use Spinova.
The latest modifications made to the product
line are thanks, in part , to feedback from the
company, which boasts the largest network
of branches in the Lake Constance area.
“Bauerfeind is a perfect fit for our modern and
high-quality range,” says Managing Director
MEDICAL
manipulate different regions of the spine, I
have more options for follow-up treatment at
my disposal ,” explains Dr. Thomas Benz. The
neurosurgeon operates on many intervertebral
disk patients at the Lake Constance Spinal
Center in Friedrichshafen.
High pulling power
René Feldmann also often works with physicians’ prescriptions at his Friedrichshafen
clinic and local hospitals. The orthotist helps
patients at these clinics to familiarize themselves with Spinova. “I take my time when
showing patients how to use the system. It
takes however long it takes to adjust a back
orthosis,” he emphasizes, without compromise. “The process also involves a trial fitting.
Once we’re happy with the orthosis itself,
we get to work with the patient. The patient
must be able to put on the orthosis correctly
by themselves.” René Feldmann is satisfied
only when the patient is able to put on and
remove their Spinova independently. This
is possible for the vast majority of people
– even older patients with limited gripping
ability. The new belt fastening makes it
easier to put on and secure the orthosis. In
addition to the wide-ranging functionality
of the Spinova product line, Daniel Trapp has
identified a further advantage of the lumbar
orthoses: “Their contemporary design appeals
to our customers,” says the Managing Director. “The back orthoses are chic, modern and
eye-catching. They could almost pass as a
sports accessory.” Spinova – a tool with pull†
ing power.
Flexible postoperative care
“Some people never
take them off again”
Neurosurgeon Dr. Thomas Benz and his team perform
some 700 operations per year at the Spine Center in the
Friedrichshafen Clinic on Lake Constance, Germany. Many
patients are given Spinova orthoses after surgery.
hiking or working in the garden. The option to
remove parts of the orthosis makes it easy for
patients to gradually regain their mobility.
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Thomas Benz,
Friedrichshafen,
Germany.
How does Spinova help you?
Dr. Benz: Our intervertebral disk patients
wear Spinova Unload Plus after surgery – usually for three weeks. The bridging frame of the
orthosis reduces lordosis in the lumbar spine
and also lowers the strain it’s subjected to.
Some patients never want to take the orthosis
off again because they feel secure in it. We
actually recommend that they wear it when
What’s the most important thing about
Spinova in your opinion?
Dr. Benz: The tensioning strap system enables
individualized treatments. The system meets the
demands associated with flexibility and good
adaptability, and I can also use it with different
types of patients, including spondylodesis patients, who need to remain completely immobile.
Spinova Immo Plus is the product of choice in
the latter case. However, it doesn’t really matter
whether or not I’m satisfied with the orthosis;
the important thing is that the patients are satisfied, and my patients like the modern materials
and the fact that the orthosis is easy to put on.
†
Besides that , Spinova also looks good!
Even more user-friendly
The Spinova range of lumbar orthoses
opens up a comprehensive range of
treatment options for the lower spine.
The orthoses relieve the lumbar vertebrae,
helping to alleviate back pain. The unique
high-precision, adjustable tensioning strap
system is a key element of the solution,
featuring height adjustment and targeted
force application. The entire Spinova
system is made from light , breathable
materials. Back patients now benefit
from a whole series of new systematic
developments: the new belt fastening makes
the orthosis easier to put on and take off,
while side holders for the tensioning straps
make it easier for patients to grasp the
ends and ensure a secure fit. The removal of
individual elements, now including the shell ,
is a quick process that requires no tools.
The new Coolmax® mesh cover for the shell
of the Spinova Immo Plus improves wearing
comfort. All of these innovations make
Spinova orthoses even more user-friendly in
†
day-to-day applications.
MEDICAL
GenuPoint relieves strain symptoms at the patella
“Tendons might not be very sexy,
but they are important”
Stabbing pains below the kneecap are characteristic of patellar tendinopathy.
A study conducted by Dr. Hans Zwerver from the Netherlands shows that the
new GenuPoint patellar tendon support can reduce discomfort.
The patellar tendon helps to control and
protect the knee. However, its complex
protection mechanism also makes it
particularly susceptible to strain injuries.
The patella connects the upper and lower
leg. The tendon of the quadriceps muscle,
which is the largest muscle in the human
body, extends directly over the patella
from the thigh to the tibia. This makes
the patella the pivot point for levering the
force of the thigh muscle and increases its
effect. The patellar tendon transmits this
force to the lower leg. Particularly vigorous,
repetitive strain can lead to microtraumas,
which can have a dramatic impact. The
morphology of the irritated patellar tendon
changes, with partial thickening as one of
the consequences. This results in stabbing
pains at the apex of the patella and causes
physiological dysfunctions that alter the
flow of movement in the knee joint.
26
Dr. Hans Zwerver from the Center for Sports Medicine at the University of Groningen.
the pain occurs immediately after exercising
or even at the start of exercise, generally
disappearing again after a warm-up period.
The symptoms should be taken seriously as
pain can become persistent in the advanced
stages and affect activities of everyday life,
e.g. climbing stairs. In the case of patellar
tendinopathy, the condition can often
become chronic. The athlete risks having to
take long periods of time off from training
and competing if treatment is delayed or
inadequate. In the worst case scenario, they
may have to give up their sport altogether.
An early diagnosis with the help of medical
Pictures: Ronald Zijlstra
“Jumper’s knee” hurts when you jump –
and hurts even more when you land
It is telling that the strain syndrome
“jumper’s knee” predominantly affects
athletes who are constantly jumping. For
long jumpers and volleyball players in
particular, jumping puts a huge tensile load
on the patellar tendon where the tendon
and bone meet and landing is almost
more intense. Other athletes whose sports
involve a lot of jumping, such as basketball
players and high jumpers, also suffer from
the symptoms associated with chronic
irritation of the patellar tendon. Irritation
can occur in various areas of the patellar
tendon: the attachment point at the tibia,
the attachment site at the muscle above
the patella, or directly at its site of origin,
namely the apex of the patella. This third site
is the most common and this is also known
as patellar tendinopathy. “Jumper’s knee”
patients describe pain related to activity.
Depending on the stage of the condition,
MEDICAL
imaging is vital for a successful recovery from
patellar tendinopathy.
The study shows that patients experience
less pain with GenuTrain
“There is still some uncertainty about
the causes, risk factors, and prevention of
patellar tendinopathy,” says Dr. Hans Zwerver
from the Center for Sports Medicine at the
University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
The tall sports physician, himself a former
top basketball player, knows what he is
talking about. At the Universitair Medisch
Centrum Groningen (the University Medical
Centre Groningen or UMCG), he and his team,
including doctoral student Astrid de Vries,
are researching the very condition that
affected the physician during his sporting
career: “jumper’s knee.”
One possible therapeutic approach is use of
the new GenuPoint patellar tendon support
from Bauerfeind. “We tested the support in
a study,” the tendon expert reports, “and the
results were significant.” During the course
of the study, various stress tests, both with
and without the support , were performed
on 29 athletes who had been suffering
from strain symptoms for an average
period of 14 months. The average age of
the participants was 23 and the majority
of them were volleyball players. After the
tests, they answered questions about their
symptoms. The participants were able to
rate the severity of their pain on the Visual
Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 (no pain) to 100
(worst pain imaginable). The results were
clear: 70 percent of the participants had
fewer symptoms when wearing the GenuPoint
support. “They didn’t jump further or higher
with the support ,” explains Astrid de Vries,
emphasizing that the results relate to
reducing symptoms and not to enhancing
performance.
The GenuPoint relieves and stimulates
the patellar tendon
The GenuPoint patellar tendon support has a
special pad to take pressure off the patellar
tendon attachment point. As such, the narrow
support is able to alleviate strain symptoms.
The anatomically contoured GenuPoint
support also features a crescent-shaped
cutout at the lower patellar attachment
point. Its special , integrated pad has four
The GenuPoint is positioned directly below the patella.
stresses. “This is important because the
pain only occurs quite late on with patellar
tendinopathy.” The sports physician
identifies some convincing advantages of
the GenuPoint support compared to sports
tape, which could be seen for a long time
around the tennis player Rafael Nadal’s knee,
for example. “A support of this type is clearly
cost-effective,” the doctor observes. “And it
has benefits for the skin too.”
When asked about the precise mechanisms
that cause “jumper’s knee”, the first thing
the tendon specialist cites is an imbalance
between the strain a tendon bears and
its ability to cope with strain, which can
ultimately lead to structural changes.
Jumping and landing techniques can also
be triggers. According to the expert , chronic
cases generally involve a combination of
factors. The motivation behind his research?
Dr. Zwerver smiles. “Tendons might not be
†
very sexy, but they are important.” The support provides targeted relief for the
tendon attachment point.
pressure points which apply force to the area
around the patellar tendon. Friction nubs
boost this targeted compression, massage
the knee during movement , and stimulate
the tendon. “As with all strain injuries,
prevention is the best treatment ,” Dr. Zwerver
Conclusion of the study
A total of 70 percent of the test subjects
with an excessive strain syndrome had
fewer symptoms when wearing GenuPoint
from Bauerfeind.
MEDICAL
GenuTrain P3 active support
Versatile knee protection
Ivan Zaytsev plays volleyball , and not just in the smart kit worn by the Italian national team.
For over two years now, the elite athlete has also been sporting a support on his knee when he
takes to the court. Not only does its color match his outfit – it also provides protection.
Dr. Piero Benelli,
team physician
for the Italian
National Volley
ball Team and
responsible
for Fisioclinics
Pesaro.
by frequent jumping and landing, however,
tend to be more serious. Ivan Zaytsev, an
Italian national volleyball player with Russian
origins, is no stranger to this kind of painful
experience. The main problem he has suffered
from is pain in the patellar tendon. It was so
“We don’t have to look any
further if we have a solution
that helps the athlete and
protects him from further risks.”
(Dr. Piero Benelli)
persistent that his team physician, Dr. Piero
Benelli, advised him to use a GenuTrain P3
knee support , in combination with physiotherapy, to relieve the pain.
Preventing the kneecap from drifting
Several functional elements are incorporated
into the GenuTrain P3 (the “P3” part stands
for “permanent patella protection”) to
provide a kind of “all-round” protection.
For example, an adjustable corrective strap
combined with a special pad and a patella
cover prevents the kneecap from drifting
28
away from its natural path. Meanwhile, a
second, wedge-shaped pad stimulates the
iliotibial tract to help even out imbalances.
The compression exerted by the active
support , particularly the intermittent
compression during movement , speeds up
the reduction of edemas and effusions. The
sense of security during load bearing is
improved and neuromuscular stabilization is
provided for the joint. All these properties
fit in with Dr. Benelli’s practical treatment
concept. “We don’t have to look any further if
we have a solution that helps the athlete and
protects him from further risks,” he says.
Blue stands for reliable effectiveness
Dr. Benelli should know: with almost
30 years of experience as a sports
physician, including at the Olympic
Games, he recognizes exactly what
his patients need. “Of course,
they all want to get back on court
quickly,” says Dr. Benelli, who runs
a large rehabilitation center in the
Italian town of Pesaro. Alongside
other elite athletes, the center
Fisioclinics Pesaro also looks after
the basketball team VL Consultinvest
Pesaro, which currently plays in
the top division. “As a physician,
however, you have to find the right
solution for each individual.” He
certainly seems to have done so in Ivan
Zaytsev’s case, with the GenuTrain P3.
The Italian national is currently playing
for a Russian club, but the 28-year-old
is also still known for delivering very
impressive performances in the blueand-white national kit. This may be partly
down to the blue support protecting his
†
kneecap too. A good fit: the Italian
national volleyball
player Ivan Zaytsev
wears GenuTrain P3
to help reduce his
knee pain.
Pictures: Getsportsmedia/Germano Riu, FOTOPRINT di Leonardo Mattioli & C. sas, Photo Wilke, Dr. Kristen
Volleyball is a fantastic sport , but it is also a
tough one. With all the diving, spiking, and
blocking involved, injuries are sometimes
unavoidable. Abrasions that occur when
players try to reach virtually unwinnable balls
while diving low are among the more harmless injuries suffered. Knee problems caused
MEDICAL
Behind the scenes at the Surf World Cup
Made of tough stuff
A treatment couch, a mobile ultrasound device, a well-stocked first aid kit , plus
various tapes, supports, and orthoses – this is the equipment Dr. Karl-Heinz Kristen,
Head of Sportsclinic Vienna, will once again be bringing with him to the Austrian town
of Podersdorf on the shores of Lake Neusiedl in May 2016 to set up his (tent-based)
beach clinic there for the Surf World Cup.
“In spite of its spectacular
maneuvers, surfing can be
classed overall as a sport
with a low risk of injury”,
says Dr. Kristen.
An expert in sports orthopedics, orthopedics,
and orthopedic surgery, Dr. Kristen has been
providing medical care for professional
surfers for 25 years. Not only has the sport
of surfing developed during this time, but
injury patterns have changed too. “Broken
ribs, for example, were common in kitesurfing
in the early days,” Dr. Kristen recalls. “That’s
partly because the trapeze harnesses weren’t
optimally adapted for kites to begin with.”
Statistics show that , nowadays, acute
injuries suffered during either kitesurfing
or windsurfing are most likely to affect the
ankle – but this is not just because of surfers
landing hard on the water when they jump,
as Dr. Kristen explains: “The surfer’s feet
have to stay firmly fixed in the foot straps
on the board in order to be able to perform
the kinds of maneuvers involved in this type
of sport. And then if the rotation isn’t quite
100 % right during a move, it’s easy to twist
an ankle.” The second most common injuries
are to the shoulders and knees, while the
spine and elbows tend to be more susceptible
to injuries caused by overuse. According
to Dr. Kristen, the type and frequency of
injuries suffered by surfers always depends
not only on their surfing technique, but also
on the rules of the sport: “In the freestyle
discipline, for example, where jumps with
a triple rotation score particularly high
points, surfers train more – sometimes with
consequences,” says the sports orthopedist.
“Nevertheless, in spite of its spectacular
maneuvers, surfing can be classed overall as a
sport with a low risk of injury.”
Fit to compete?
“At the World Cup, the most important
question as far as the athletes are concerned is ‘Can I carry on competing?’” says
Dr. Kristen, “Sometimes they put up with an
awful lot to carry on.” When treating athletes
at the competition site, he likes to use
supports and orthoses: “They’re great aids
for protecting injured joints and structures.”
During the competition, however, his first
approach is to apply special tape that is
suitable for use in water and can be worn
under a wetsuit. “But as soon as the athletes
get off their boards, they’re given a normal
support or orthosis. That’s how it works on
the professional tour. However, quite a few
regular amateur surfers surf with supports on,
Dr. Karl-Heinz
Kristen, Head
of Sportsclinic
Vienna.
because they provide stability and prevent
sprains.” In terms of supports, he has already
used virtually all the Train products available,
especially the MalleoTrain for the ankle. “The
Train supports are easy to use. They don’t
take up much space, you can put them on and
take them off quickly, and they are extremely
practical in a surfing environment.” When it
comes to dealing with cruciate or collateral
ligament injuries in the knee, Dr. Kristen
also rates the SecuTec Genu knee orthosis.
One thing professional surfers appreciate
about Dr. Kristen himself is that , aside from
offering medical expertise, he also surfs
himself and understands exactly what the
†
sport requires. life magazine summer 201629
MEDICAL
“Het Lymfehuis” in Antwerp/Belgium
“The establishment of a place like this
is long overdue”
It is the very first center of its kind in Belgium: a place where lymphedema
patients, physicians and therapists come together outside of a hospital
environment. The “Lymfehuis” in Antwerp is much more than just a treatment
center – it’s also an essential meeting point.
The narrow town house looks like any other
on this long arterial road in Antwerp: a twostory building with a clinker brick facade
and a glass front facing the street. There’s
nothing to suggest that it’s anything special ,
but a sign hung in the window, bearing the
words “Het Lymfehuis” in small type, confirms
that we’re at the right address. The sparsely
furnished lobby indicates that the move into
the building was recent – and involved only
a bare minimum of equipment. “Everything is
brand new right now,” confirms Tim Decock,
“We want to create a central
point for lymphedema patients
to put an end to the cycle of
being passed from therapist to
therapist.”
a physiotherapist specializing in manual
lymphatic drainage using the Vodder (MLDV)
method, who is waiting by an open glass door
on the top level. A therapy table is visible in
the background; one patient is leaving the
room, while three more are waiting, seated on
white armchairs next to the reception desk. It
is seven in the evening, and a sporty-looking
woman is dashing up the final flight of stairs
to the top level. Dr. Lore Fias, vascular surgeon
and phlebotomist , has just come from her day
job at Antwerp University Hospital: “We moved
in three weeks ago,” she says, barely out of
Manual lymphatic drainage is a key component of lymphatic therapy.
breath. Tim Decock, dressed casually in jeans
and a fashionable shirt , laughs: “But we’ve
for lymphedema patients to put an end to
its objectives are already clearly formed
already sorted the coffee machine.”
the cycle of being passed from therapist
– and the center has some serious work
to therapist ,” says the physician. “Patients
ahead. But the cheerful colleagues seem
A lymph center rather than a lymph clinic
already have enough to worry about with
to be enjoying the journey, in spite of the
their disease alone.” The physiotherapist
late hour. “We’ve finally been able to realize
Tim Decock and Dr. Fias haven’t had much
continues: “We called our venture the ‘lymph
our dream,” says Dr. Fias. It is clear from
time to catch up over coffee during the last
center’ for a good reason. We don’t want it to
her words that she truly believes in their
three weeks. Although the “lymph center”
sound like an expensive private clinic. This
appears sparsely furnished from the outside, cause. “We want to create a central point
30
Pictures: Tim Decock, Stefan Durstewitz
(Dr. Lore Fias)
MEDICAL
Physiotherapist Tim Decock.
lowers the barriers for patients to access our
service. Any patient can come here and will
pay the same as they would pay in a normal
practice or hospital.”
Extended network of therapists
The lymph center has one particular unique
feature that patients will only encounter
here: they will meet therapists and
specialists from a wide range of disciplines,
who usually only work in large university
hospitals, such as the hospital in Antwerp.
Alongside Tim Decock and Dr. Fias, two
medical product specialists are employed in
the lymph center team; they specialize in a
range of disciplines, including the treatment
of patients suffering from lymphedemas
with challenging care needs. In such
circumstances, precise measurement of
the affected area of the body is crucial. In
addition to the core team of physiotherapist/
physician/medical product specialists, the
center also employs a psychotherapist , a
nutritionist and venous ulcer nurses.
Flat-knit technology medical
compression stockings
It is a central contact point for patients,
employs therapists from various disciplines,
and offers a number of treatment rooms –
but the lymph center is more than the sum
of its parts. “We want to have an impact on
the wider world,” emphasizes Tim Decock.
“We want to inform. There are still far
too many serious issues in our field.” One
example is compression stocking treatment
in the second phase of therapy. In the
treatment of lymphedema, decongestion
therapy is widely used as the first phase of
treatment. A compression bandage, applied
using a special wrapping technique, exerts
pressure on tissues and muscles. It supports
decongestion, stimulates lymph drainage,
and prevents the tissue fluids flowing back
into the affected parts of the body. MLDV,
as practiced by Tim Decock, is also part of
decongestion therapy. In the second phase
of treatment , the patient receives special
compression stockings designed to maintain
the effect of the decongestion treatment.
These products – used on arms, hands, legs
and toes – are individually manufactured
using flat-knit technology. Flat-knit
compression products can be adapted for
a perfect anatomical fit. The fabric exerts
a high working pressure, which means that
flat-knit products put more pressure on the
tissue than circular-knit variants. For this
reason, they are the preferred method of
compression treatment in cases of lipedema
and lymphedema. However, the success
of the treatment depends on the product
being worn correctly – and, in reality, this is
unfortunately often not the case.
Bizarre stocking fashions
A picture often speaks a thousand words –
so Dr. Fias turns her laptop so that everyone
at the table can see the screen. The image
shows a leg with the loose edge of a
rolled-up compression stocking hanging
just above the knee. The thigh is virtually
strangulated, and the bizarre image is more
reminiscent of frilly Baroque-style stockings
than modern lymphedema therapy. “We see
cases like this time and time again,” says the
physician with concern. “Patients are often
left completely to their own devices before
the product is even put on.” Information,
or “self-management”, as Dr. Fias calls it , is
an essential component of the treatment.
“When a patient leaves us, that patient
needs to know what phase of treatment he is
in and what the next steps are.”
“We’re even stronger together”
Antwerp’s lymph center would not be a true
“center” if it did not play host to one final
type of meeting: meetings between patients.
Patients use the center to chat about things
that even experienced therapists and lecturers
like Tim Decock simply cannot understand:
“I know what kind of additional treatments
women who have had breast cancer
surgery often have to go through,” says the
physiotherapist. “But I can’t speak from my
own experience about how it feels. The only
people who can do that are other patients who
have been through radiotherapy, for example,
themselves.” These kinds of exchanges are
part of the reason why Dr. Fias and Tim Decock
are convinced of the need for the center. “We
Ensuring that patients have the information they
need is particularly important to Dr. Lore Fias.
have no other option but to succeed,” they
say with confidence. “The establishment of a
place like this is long overdue.” Both partners
are continuing to treat patients in their own
practices too. But the physiotherapist and
physician are already noticing a difference:
†
“We’re even stronger together.” life magazine summer 201631
MEDICAL
Compression therapy during pregnancy I
“Right away for patients with
thrombophilia”
Pregnant women are six times more likely to develop thrombosis than women who
are not pregnant. With this in mind, your treating physician should consider treatment with medical compression stockings at an early stage.
Sonja L. is pregnant
with her second child.
Compression stockings are
part of her everyday life
32
us. “It increases the likelihood of thrombosis
compared to the general population by
around five to ten times for heterozygous
carriers and as much as fifty to one hundred
times for homozygous carriers.”
During pregnancy in particular, coagulation
disorders such as a factor V mutation can
further increase the risk of thrombosis and
may also cause a miscarriage. Therefore,
for women like Sonja L., it is usually
recommended that they begin thrombosis
prophylaxis using medical compression
stockings and, in some cases, medication –
normally low-molecular-weight heparin – as
soon as they find out they are pregnant. “In
fact , I should wear stockings all the time,
which I don’t always manage to do. But
I’m completely consistent with it while I’m
pregnant ,” says the expectant mother.
Ingenious system
During pregnancy, the hormonal changes
alone put the mother’s body in an exceptional situation. “On top of this, pregnancy
also causes hypercoagulability, a pathological
increase in the blood’s tendency to clot that
leads to an increased risk of thrombosis,” says
Dr. Birkner. “From around the 20th week of
Pictures: Conny Kurz
“I’m familiar with compression stockings
from my first pregnancy, and right now
they’re absolutely essential ,” says Sonja
L. as we wander through the park around
Blutenburg Castle in the west of Munich,
Germany, with her two-year-old son. The
37-year-old, who is pregnant , has a disorder
known as factor V Leiden, a mutation in
the gene for factor V (proaccelerin), which
is involved in blood coagulation. “The
factor V Leiden mutation is one of the
most common hereditary risk factors for
predisposition to clotting,” her treating
gynecologist , Dr. Thomas Birkner, later tells
MEDICAL
pregnancy, the coagulation factors VII, VIII
and X increase considerably, with another
marked rise in factor VIII shortly before
the birth. Meanwhile, as the factors that
promote coagulation increase, those that
help to prevent excessive coagulation also
decrease.” There is, of course, a reason for
this, as the gynecologist explains: during the
birth, wounds occur in the uterus relatively
frequently, and the mother’s body tries to
heal them as quickly as possible. “This only
works if, firstly, the uterus minimizes the
wound surface area through contractions
and, secondly, the coagulation system is
significantly elevated.” Unfortunately,
this means that the risk of thrombosis also
increases constantly throughout pregnancy
and remains high until up to six weeks after
the birth.
Thrombosis prophylaxis especially
important
“Around 30 out of every 10,000 pregnant
women develop deep vein thrombosis,”
says Dr. Birkner. “Therefore, thrombosis
prophylaxis is very important during
pregnancy, especially if you already know
that the patient – like Sonja L. – has a
mutation in one of their blood coagulation
factors. And then there are other disorders
“Thrombosis occurs 26 times more
frequently in Caesarean sections
than in natural birth.”
If a patient is at increased risk of thrombosis, Dr. Thomas Birkner immediately prescribes
compression stockings.
Munich, speaking from experience. He is on
especially high alert if a patient suffers from
sudden pain when their leg is subjected to a
load. “In such a situation, I look for what is
known as Homans sign: if the patient feels
discomfort in their calf upon extension of
the leg and dorsiflexion of the foot , this
indicates that thrombosis may be present.”
Dr. Birkner advises women who have been
prescribed compression stockings during
pregnancy to carry on wearing them for
(Dr. Thomas Birkner)
that occur during pregnancy and can
increase the risk further, such as preeclampsia.” The specialist therefore
prescribes class 2 medical compression
stockings to women with an elevated risk
as soon as their pregnancy test comes back
positive. For all other pregnancies, what
he prescribes depends on the symptoms.
“Around one in five of my patients have
problems with their legs. Swelling is a major
issue for many women. If the water retention
goes beyond a certain degree, compression
stockings are a good idea. These problems
often lead to other symptoms, such as leg
pain and the characteristic shiny skin.
The symptoms more commonly occur
in the left leg,” says the physician from
A stand-out feature: the silicone lace band.
up to six weeks after the birth due to the
continued elevated risk of thrombosis,
as described above. He also stresses that
thrombosis prophylaxis is essential after a
Caesarean section. “Thrombosis occurs 26
times more frequently in Caesarean sections
than in natural birth. This means that all new
mothers must be provided with compression
stockings and a course of heparin after a
Caesarean.” The physician reports that ,
fortunately, patients tend to be very willing
to accept compression treatment.
Good for circulation
Sonja L. is also clearly aware of the effect
that wearing the compression stockings
has had on her well-being, reporting that
they have improved her health on a more
general level too. “For example, I feel more
revitalized in terms of my circulation. If I
forget to put my stockings on in the morning,
it only takes me two hours at the most to
notice the effects. Then I have to put them
on quickly and drink a coffee to get my
circulation going. I also find that normal
socks cut into my legs because of the water
retention. Compression stockings have their
advantages here too.”
On top of this, Sonja L. has yet another good
reason to wear her compression stockings.
“Before my current pregnancy, I had an
operation on my right leg because the
venous valves had stopped closing. I had a
varicose vein that was removed. I never want
to have an operation like that under general
anesthetic again, so preventive treatment
†
makes sense to me.” life magazine summer 201633
MEDICAL
Compression therapy during pregnancy II
“The level of acceptance is good”
In Latvia, pregnant women are looked after by their family physician or by
a certified midwife or gynecologist. Dr. Egils Gasins works at the Embrions
Center of Reproductive Medicine, a Riga-based private clinic specializing in
gynecology, obstetrics, and infertility treatment. He recommends medical
compression stockings to many of his pregnant patients.
Dr. Gasins, how does pregnancy affect the
veins?
Dr. Gasins: Pregnancy puts extra strain
on a woman’s organism, including the leg
veins. There are several reasons for this. For
example, the increased level of the hormone
progesterone, the main purpose of which
is to make the tissue in the uterus more
elastic, also causes the walls of the blood
vessels to become slightly more stretchy,
making them more prone to becoming
deformed. At the same time, the amount of
fluid in the body rises during pregnancy and
more blood needs to be transported through
the venous system. It is therefore essential
Dr. Egils Gasins,
gynecologist ,
“Embrions”,
Center of
Reproductive
Medicine, Riga,
Latvia.
When exactly would you recommend wearing
compression stockings?
Dr. Gasins: For women who have already
experienced vein problems prior to
pregnancy or are genetically predisposed
to them, I recommend wearing medical
compression stockings as a preventive
measure throughout their pregnancy and
for two to three months after giving birth.
And, of course, I recommend them as soon
as symptoms such as pain or swelling in the
legs arise during pregnancy.
34
Bauerfeind stockings
model Giorgia Pucci
chooses VenoTrain micro –
including during her own
pregnancy.
Pictures: Bauerfeind, private
to always keep an eye on a patient’s leg
veins during pregnancy and, if necessary,
prescribe compression stockings to improve
the venous blood return.
MEDICAL
Certified CME (Continuing Medical Education)
How many of your patients suffer from vein
problems during pregnancy?
Dr. Gasins: Around 50 percent of them,
probably often those whose activities involve
a lot of sitting or – quite the opposite –
prolonged standing.
Bauerfeind offers two CME courses to allow
physicians to refresh their knowledge in
the fields of phlebology and lymphology
and collect points at the same time.
The first module of the phlebology course,
entitled “General Venous Disorders”, by
author Prof. Michael Jünger, Director of the
Clinic and Polyclinic for Skin Disorders at
Greifswald University Hospital , covers the
clinical picture, diagnosis, and treatment
options associated with general venous
disorders. The second module looks at
venous ulcers (ulcus cruris venosum)
in detail. Up to two CME points can be
achieved for each module.
Do you find it hard to persuade your patients
to wear compression stockings?
Dr. Gasins: No, the women are generally very
open-minded and concerned about looking
after their health. The level of acceptance
for compression therapy is therefore good.
However, in a country like Latvia, where
patients have to pay high additional
contributions for healthcare, it is sometimes
difficult for them to raise the extra funds for
this. Here even pregnant women have to pay Dr. Gasins: The stockings currently available
for compression stockings out of their own
don’t look any different from conventional
pocket.
opaque stockings. The feedback regarding
Bauerfeind’s compression stockings in
How important is the way the stockings look
particular has been very positive and they are
to women?
highly rated by patients in terms of quality.
The courses are also
ideal as a knowledge refresher.
Prof. Markus Stücker, Managing Director of
the vein center at the Dermatological and
Venous Surgery Clinic in Bochum, authored
the CME course entitled “Lymphedema:
Diagnosis and Therapy”, which also attracts
up to two CME points. Further information
on the courses can be obtained from your
Bauerfeind sales advisor.
Do you give your patients any specific tips
on wearing compression stockings?
Dr. Gasins: I advise them to put the
stockings on first thing in the morning.
And it goes without saying that good skin
†
care is important too.
VenoTrain micro and VenoTrain soft
Targeted relief
Wearing medical compression stockings
can significantly reduce pregnancyrelated symptoms such as leg swelling,
ankle edema and the formation of spider
veins. The defined pressure profile of
the stockings improves the flow of
blood through the veins and relieves the
venous system. As a general preventative
measure, experts recommend prescribing
compression class (Ccl) 1 to be worn from
the 12th week of pregnancy at the latest.
Depending on the symptoms, Ccl 2 may
also be appropriate.
For pregnant women, Bauerfeind offers
VenoTrain micro and VenoTrain soft as
a knee or thigh-high stocking or as
maternity pantyhose, with VenoTrain soft
available only as a custom-made product.
The maternity pantyhose feature an elastic
panty area without compression, which
stretches as the pregnancy progresses.
VenoTrain micro:
soft , versatile, comfortable
The extra-smooth VenoTrain micro
compression stocking has a microfiber
content of over 50 percent , making it
particularly soft and skin-friendly. Thanks
to the wide range of color options –
with two further batik options even for
maternity pantyhose – wearers are sure
to find a color that suits their style. The
comfort sole has specific pressure relief
zones along the heel and the ball of
the foot. Elastic expansion zones in the
middle of the sole ensure more stability in
this area.
VenoTrain soft:
with massage effect
Compared to VenoTrain micro, VenoTrain
soft is a somewhat more robust stocking
that can cope with more demanding
wear – while remaining comfortably
soft and kind to the skin. The fine knit
is specially designed to gently massage
the skin and stimulate circulation – so
pregnant women can even treat their
legs to a massage. The opaque stocking
is available in five colors and in many
different styles.
Prescription information
In Germany, medical compression
stockings can be prescribed under
statutory health insurance for the relevant
indications. The products are exempt from
budgetary constraints and prescription
benchmarks. To increase compliance and
treatment success, stockings in Ccl 1 may
also be prescribed and charged based on
individual patient needs, according to the
latest guidelines from the German Society
†
of Phlebology.
RETAIL
Modern measurement technology in the provision of medical aids
Bauerfeind offers its medical retail partners a wide range of innovative measurement
systems so that they can provide individual treatment with compression stockings,
supports and foot orthoses that is tailored to each patient’s needs. After all , patients
can only benefit from the optimum therapeutic effect of a product if it fits perfectly.
life gives an overview of the various systems and hears from a satisfied user of
Bodytronic 600.
“When Bauerfeind Spain demonstrated the
Bodytronic 600 measurement system to us
four years ago, we immediately recognized
that it would be a valuable tool for us in
what was then still a relatively new branch
of treatment with compression stockings,”
says Beatriz Camós, Managing Director
of Ortopedia Grau Soler in Barcelona,
Spain. The primary focus of the longestablished company, which is now in its
fourth generation, is on manufacturing
and adapting prostheses and orthoses.
However, the treatment of patients with
phlebological and lymphological disorders
has seen steady growth in recent years,
with this area now making up around ten
percent of sales. “We had already worked
with digital measurement systems in other
divisions of the company, so it made sense
to opt for this modern technology here too,”
says Beatriz Camós.
Quality that can be measured –
and made to measure
The BODYTRONIC 600 measurement system
makes it possible to quickly and precisely
measure the leg all the way up to the hip,
including the knee and ankle. By the end
of the year, the system will also be able
to take non-contact measurements of the
upper body without any need for special
measurement clothing.
36
Used by Ortopedia Grau
Soler, mainly to measure
compression stockings:
the Bodytronic 600.
“Bodytronic 600 delivers data that can be
accurately reproduced, ruling out sources
of human error from the start – even when
simply transferring the measurement data
to the measurement sheet ,” explains the
Managing Director of Ortopedia Grau Soler,
talking about one of the many benefits of
the system. Moreover measuring by hand
takes a lot longer. Bodytronic uses the data
obtained to calculate circumference and
length measurements as well as volume.
Circumference and length measurements form
Pictures: Ortopedia Grau Soler, Bauerfeind
Beatriz Camós,
Managing Director
of Ortopedia
Grau Soler in
Barcelona.
Venous pumping power Vo in %
RETAIL
Venous
Venous
Analysis of
measuring points pumping power refill time
8
Normal
Grade I
Grade II
Grade III
6
4
2
0
10
-2
20
30
40
Venous refill time To in s
The LRR measures the venous refill time (t0 in seconds: t0 is measured from the highest point in the
curve after an exercise program until a stable reflection value is achieved again).
the basis for selecting a product from the
Bauerfeind online shop, where the product
configuration tool suggests the best size.
The medical retailer can decide between a
custom-made solution or a standard product
depending on the proportions of the patient‘s
body. The retailer then goes through the
online configuration tool with the customer
to define all the other product features, such
as the compression class, color and pattern
of a compression stocking. “This really adds
value,” says Beatriz Camós.
Before/after comparison possible
“We mainly use Bodytronic 600 to measure
patients for compression stockings,” explains
Beatriz Camós. “But the measurement
system also functions as a marketing tool.
For example, it appeals to athletes who have
sustained a sports injury that has resulted
in muscle atrophy. The measurement results
can give them objective information about
circumference and volume measurements
before and after the rehabilitation process.
In the field of plastic surgery too, Bodytronic
600 can provide interesting comparative data
before and after liposuction.” At Ortopedia
Grau Soler, both patients and usually also
the treating physician are informed of the
measurement results.
The modular software concept means that
other Bauerfeind measurement systems can
easily be connected and operated via common
software. The recorded data is available
to be used at any time for advice, cost
estimates and internal and external quality
management. “Our customers are usually
surprised by the modern technology to begin
with, but they end up being very enthusiastic
about it. We’ve installed a TV screen that is
connected to the measurement system so
that customers can follow the measurement
process in real time.” Beatriz Camós is pleased
with the results: “It’s very popular,” she says.
For medical retailers who just want to take
measurements for compression stockings,
Bodytronic 400 is a simple and practical
solution. The somewhat smaller system
also measures the body in a non-contact
process that does not require any special
measurement clothing, providing a precise 3D
image of the legs right up to the waist. Here
too, the measurement data can be transmitted
to the Bauerfeind online shop to aid with
product selection. Bodytronic 400 is also
available with or without a foot scanner.
Leg health can be measured
Bodytronic 200 is the perfect tool for
campaigns being held during special
events, for instance, as well as for use by
medical supply retailers on their premises.
The measurement system uses light
reflection rheography (LRR), a non-invasive
hemodynamic procedure that can detect
vein problems before they become outwardly
visible – all without any pain or side effects.
To do this, Bodytronic 200 uses an infrared
sensor, positioned above the inside of the
ankle, to wirelessly measure how quickly the
The wireless measurement sensors in the Bodytronic 200 make the system very user-friendly.
veins refill with blood after this has been
pumped out by means of a specific movement
sequence. The results obtained and the
physician’s analysis of them provide a basis
for taking the necessary therapeutic measures
in good time. As well as supporting early
detection of vein problems, the software can
be used to show progress by taking several
measurements at different times, making it
possible, for example, to monitor function
both before and after an invasive procedure is
performed on the venous system.
Precision-perfect relief with foot orthoses
Bauerfeind works with its partners Rothballer
and T&T medilogic to support medical
supply retailers in providing treatment with
foot orthoses by offering a range of digital
measurement systems that can record the
specific load distribution of the feet. This
allows orthotists to adapt orthopedic orthoses
precisely to suit individual requirements and
provide precision-perfect relief.
The Rothballer foot scanner – available in a
basic or high-speed version – measures static
foot topography for rapid digital mapping of
the sole. It is suited to both stationary and
mobile operation. The Rothballer TouchPoint
is an elegant all-in-one foot scanner solution
for use in store. It combines the Rothballer
foot scanner, which is integrated in a
functional housing unit , with a touch PC
on an upright stand with LED lighting. The
scanner and PC column are separate from one
another and can be moved around as
>>>
RETAIL
>>> desired, which is particularly useful in
small spaces.
A classic in the world of orthopedics:
the medilogic pressure plate.
that can occur during very rapid movements.
The ultra-thin and flexible medilogic WLAN
insoles can be customized for use in all
Medilogic foot pressure measurement
manner of situations, from sports applications
to treatment with orthopedic and customThe medilogic pressure plate is already a
made shoes. What’s more, the data from an
classic in the world of orthopedics. It allows
both static and dynamic measurement of the imprint foam scan with Bodytronic 600, a
foot scan with the Rothballer scanner, and
individual load distribution of the feet and
a medilogic foot pressure measurement can
can be used to determine how pressure is
all be imported into the web application
distributed below the foot , the body’s center
of gravity, and the heel-to-toe movement. The Bodytronic ID:CAM. Bodytronic ID:CAM
measurement values are transmitted to the PC by Bauerfeind allows orthotists to model
via a wired or wireless connection and appear individual foot orthoses that can then be
right on the screen. The pressure distribution milled by Bauerfeind.
is depicted as an easy-to-understand colored
Precise measurement , tailor-made
isobar diagram or a three-dimensional
product selection, and configuration
pressure plot , so it doesn’t take an expert
to identify problem areas straight away.
Whether for foot orthoses or compression
Displaying the results in this way also makes
stockings, digital measurement systems
it easier to convince the patient of the need
are an indispensable tool for orthotists
for treatment. The medilogic pressure plate
and medical supply retailers. Precise
is lightweight but hard-wearing, making it
measurement data forms the basis for highsimple to use for a wide range of applications. quality provision of medical aids, while the
visual representation of the measurement
No cumbersome cable connections
results makes it easier to communicate with
customers and the time saved thanks to the
Dynamic inner shoe measurement with
digital measurement process can be used for
the medilogic WLAN insole is the perfect
giving advice instead. This is a real win-win
complement to the medilogic pressure
situation for business and customers! Beatriz
plate. The measurement data is transmitted
Camós, Managing Director of Ortopedia
rapidly via WLAN, enabling pressure values
Grau Soler, agrees: “I couldn’t imagine what
to be displayed immediately during the
our trade would be like without modern
measurement process. At the same time,
measurement technology. We have also come
the data is recorded in the internal memory,
which features a powerful battery to allow for to appreciate Bodytronic 600 in particular as
long measurement times. The sensors scan at a feature that sets us apart from the crowd
and gives us an edge over our competitors.
frequencies of up to 400 Hz, which enables
†
The system is a real image boost.” the recording of even the brief load peaks
38
Overview of the
measurement systems
Bodytronic 600
is a 3D body scanner that takes foot-tohip measurements for fitting medical
compression stockings, knee supports,
and ankle supports.
Bodytronic 400
enables medical compression stockings
to be measured in 3D up to the hip.
Bodytronic 200
allows vein function to be measured
using light reflection rheography.
Rothballer foot scanner
measures static foot topography for
rapid digital mapping of the sole.
Rothballer TouchPoint
combines the foot scanner with a touch
PC to provide a complete solution.
Medilogic pressure plate
provides static and dynamic measurements of the individual load situation
of the feet.
Medilogic WLAN insole
enables dynamic foot pressure
measurements to be taken wirelessly.
Pictures: Bauerfeind, Udo Schönewald
The Rothballer TouchPoint: foot scanner and PC column in a single
space-saving unit.
RETAIL
Three-zone TRIactive foot orthosis
“It virtually sells itself”
Since its worldwide market launch ten years ago, the TRIactive’s functionality and striking
appearance have turned it into a surefire success. One place where the cushioning foot
orthosis is proving very popular is at Harald Kogel Orthopädie und Rehatechnik, a business
specializing in orthopedic and rehabilitation technology based in Sindelfingen, Germany.
“I’d like another pair of the foot orthoses
that look like a jigsaw puzzle please.” Many
customers come to Harald Kogel Orthopädie
und Rehatechnik with this request. They are
referring, of course, to the TRIactive, a foot
orthosis in which the sections of varying
Shore hardness interlock with one another
vertically like the piece in a jigsaw puzzle.
“We’ve been stocking the cushioning foot
orthosis since it first appeared on the
market ,” says Managing Director Harald Kogel.
“Its special PowerWave technology won me
over straightaway. The way that the individual
Harald Kogel ,
Managing
Director
Harald Kogel
Orthopädie und
Rehatechnik.
loading zones with their varying degrees of
hardness fit together so there are no irritating
hard edges is really clever.” Thanks to the
jigsaw puzzle appearance and the use of
different colors, it is easy for customers to
grasp how the foot orthosis works. “And its
unique design makes it easily recognizable.”
The precisely positioned loading and
pressure relief zones in the cushioning
foot orthosis protect the support system
and locomotor apparatus, alleviate strain
injuries, and delay the onset of muscle
fatigue. The TRIactive is available in
the following designs to suit customers’
personal requirements: walk for walking and
hiking as well as for people who spend long
periods standing during their everyday lives,
run for running, play for ball games, and golf
for playing golf.
“We now give the TRIactive to around a
third of the customers we treat with foot
orthoses,” reports Harald Kogel. “Many of
The sections of varying Shore hardness interlock like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
our customers ask to be prescribed one
or two pairs of the foot orthoses a year
because they are so long-lasting. “The
TRIactive virtually sells itself,” remarks the
expert orthotist happily. “The TRIactive
“Its special PowerWave technology won me over straightaway.
The way that the individual
loading zones with their varying
degrees of hardness fit together
so there are no irritating hard
edges is really clever.”
(Harald Kogel)
walk is simply an outstanding foot orthosis
for people who have to stand a lot at work
as well as for walkers and hikers. It accounts
for the majority of our sales.”
Strong demand for treadmill analyses and
foot pressure measurement
Founded 28 years ago, the company is also
well known among local runners due to
its partnerships with sports and running
stores and its participation in running
fairs and other events. “Our customer
base therefore also includes many
runners, most of whom we provide with
the TRIactive run, usually in combination
with a treadmill analysis and dynamic
foot pressure measurement using the
medilogic insole measuring system.
These services are very popular with our
customers.” At Harald Kogel Orthopädie
und Rehatechnik, every TRIactive orthosis
is individually adapted to the customer’s
specific needs. “The adjustments pay off
for the customers with every step,” says
†
Harald Kogel with confidence. life magazine summer 201639
BACKGROUND
A medical specialist offers his views on second opinions
“Specialist knowledge
is a must”
Since 2015, patients in Germany have had the right to a second medical opinion
for certain surgical procedures. Prof. Dr. Jürgen Harms, a specialist in orthopedics
and trauma surgery, thinks this is generally not a bad idea.
Prof. Dr. Jürgen
Harms spent more
than 30 years as Chief
Orthopedic Physician
and Spinal Surgeon
at Karlsbad-Langensteinbach Hospital
in Karlsbad and now
works at Ethianum
Private Hospital in
Heidelberg, Germany.
Prof. Dr. Harms, what is your personal view
on a second medical opinion?
Prof. Harms: I am definitely in favor of
second opinions. People can make mistakes
and be wrong – physicians are no different in
that respect. But in medicine, in particular,
this can have shocking effects. Safe
decisions about therapeutic actions can
only be made when the initial examiner has
enough expertise. This is particularly true
for diseases that are not part of the daily
specialist field.
The second problem is the patient him-/
herself: The patient’s desire for a second
opinion is absolutely justified, of course.
Sometimes, however, patients acquire their
own knowledge via research on the Internet
or other media, which is often incorrect.
A sound explanation of the diagnosis and
treatment by the initial physician as well as
the physician giving the
second opinion is therefore very important.
When do you consider a
second medical opinion as
useful?
Prof. Harms: I think
it is important to give
the patient the option
of a second opinion for
complicated procedures
with a substantial risk
of complications. For
standardized treatments
that exist in nonsurgical
Which problems can be linked to a second
as well as surgical
opinion?
therapy, however, a
Prof. Harms: I believe that there are two
second opinion is not
general problems. First: How do I, as a paabsolutely necessary,
tient , find a suitable physician for my second provided that the
opinion? I think that only a physician who
patient has recognized
is highly qualified in the relevant specialist
the basic problem and
field and who has attended relevant furcan understand the
ther training should be authorized to give
treatment. Whether a
a second opinion. Such a physician should
second medical opinion
demonstrate sufficient case numbers of his/ is obtained or not also
her own, in particular for surgical measures,
depends very much on
because medicine is a science based on
the patient’s mentality
experience. It is also important that this
and level of knowledge.
physician is independent of health insurers
For me, it is always
or other institutions to ensure the second
important to find out
opinion is neutral. Second opinions which
about the patient’s
are under the control of health insurers or
expectations because
other institutions that are directly involved
those and the surgical
in the financial result of these surgical prooutcome often do not
cedures must be avoided at all cost.
match.
40
In general , I would like to add that it is an
advantage if the physician who was asked for
a second opinion is given the opportunity
to personally examine the patient as well
because even experienced physicians can
make the wrong decisions if they are solely
based on the contents of the patient’s file.
Furthermore, the first and second physician
†.
should always communicate. It is definitely worth
obtaining a second opinion
before spinal surgery.
BACKGROUND
A representative from a health insurance provider offers his views on second opinions
“An interdisciplinary point of
view is helpful”
“Obtaining a second opinion is basically always a good thing,” says
Guido Dressel , Director of the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) health
insurance company in the German state of Thuringia. In the following interview, Dressel describes the important things to consider
when choosing a physician for a second opinion.
Pictures: Conny Kurz, Fotolia.com/forestpath, www.photofarm.de/Andreas Poecking
Mr. Dressel , TK now enables second opinions
to be obtained within the framework of voluntary selective contracts – for example, in cases
where spinal surgery is considered necessary.
What exactly do you offer your policyholders
in such situations?
Guido Dressel: According to a survey
conducted by Forsa on behalf of TK in the
summer of 2015, 75 percent of all statutory health insurance policyholders wish to
be able to obtain an independent second
opinion prior to a planned hospital stay. We
support this desire in three different ways.
First of all , we allow such patients to obtain
the information they need. According to Section 76 of the German Social Security Code
(SGB V), every statutory health insurance
policyholder has the right to consult a second physician in order to obtain additional
information on their illness or learn about
possibilities for alternative treatments. The
new Care Provision Strengthening Act also
includes a provision for a regulated process
for obtaining second opinions.
In addition, TK policyholders can call the TK
Second Opinion Hotline, which is staffed by
all different kinds of doctors, mainly orthopedic specialists, oncologists, and surgeons.
These professionals provide assistance and
advice around the clock.
The third way we support our policyholders
is by offering them targeted assistance
prior to hip, knee, shoulder, or spinal
surgery. Here, we work with special centers
that provide our customers with a second
opinion prior to an operation. Alternatively,
attending physicians can send patients to
a pain therapy center specializing in their
condition. Doctors at such centers can then
determine whether inpatient surgery is
actually necessary.
What has your experience been with second
opinions?
Guido Dressel: The “Second Opinion Prior
to Spinal Surgery” model project launched in
2010 has revealed that nearly 90 percent of
all the back operations it examined were not
Guido Dressel ,
Director Techniker
Krankenkasse
(TK), Thuringia.
necessary. Patients insured by TK can obtain
a second opinion for free prior to a planned
operation, and around 2,000 TK policyholders
have elected to do so to date. As it turns out ,
the second-opinion physicians judged 1,800
of the planned operations to be unnecessary,
and the patients were then treated with
alternative methods, such as physiotherapy
or pain therapy.
Which criteria should be used when choosing
a physician for a second opinion?
Guido Dressel: A second opinion is
particularly effective when the doctor
in question focuses on different aspects
than the original attending physician. For
example, physicians in private practice
tend to approach things differently than
specialists who work in hospitals. A doctor
who regularly performs surgery will have
a different point of view than a more
conservative physician, who might also have
training in physiotherapy or psychosomatic
medicine, for example. In any case, an
interdisciplinary point of view is helpful.
Many physicians in private practice tend to
favor conservative treatments over surgery.
How can health insurance companies take
this into consideration when setting their
budgets?
Guido Dressel: You’ve touched upon a
fundamental health-policy problem that
no single provider can solve on its own –
namely the fact that from an economic point
of view, it’s often more attractive these
days to operate on patients than it is to
offer them conservative treatment options.
The elected bodies at the statutory health
insurance companies need to act here, and
a good start would be to promote the use of
narrative-based medicine techniques. †
PLACE TO BE
A visit to the Lion City
Fascinating diversity
Picture: Fotolia.com/f11photo
From October 20 to 23, the 17th Congress of the Asian Society
for Vascular Surgery is taking place in Singapore alongside the
11th Asian Venous Forum. life has already checked out the venue
and made a few discoveries.
42
PLACE TO BE
The Merlion – a mythical
creature with a lion‘s head
and the body of a fish – is
used as a national symbol
for Singapore.
43
The modern Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of the most frequently visited buildings in the Chinatown section of Singapore (288 South Bridge Road).
Tradition and modernity
The Lion City, the literal meaning of
“Singapore”, is unique in its many and diverse
contrasts between tradition and modernity.
Ancient temples sit alongside futuristic
buildings, luxury hotels jostle for space with
food stalls, and Dior and Cartier in the Orchard
Road shopping district contrast with small
stores in Chinatown or Little India.
A breathtaking view of the skyline featuring
the Central Business District and City Hall
A raising experience: the view from the Ferris
wheel “Singapore Flyer”.
44
can be enjoyed from the viewing platform
on the 58th story of the Marina Bay Sands
building, a hotel , events, and casino
complex. Only hotel guests have access to
the 146-meter-long infinity pool , whose
water seems to disappear into an endless
expanse. A beautiful alternative is the
Singapore Flyer (www.singaporeflyer.com)
which, at 165 meters, is the second-tallest
Ferris wheel in the world.
the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, or the Sri
Mariamman Temple well worth a visit. Those
seeking a modern and varied program of art
and culture can’t go wrong with Singapore’s
new landmark, Esplanade – Theatres on the
Bay (1 Esplanade Dr., Singapore 038981).
The two great halls of this events center are
reminiscent of two face-down halves of the
durian fruit , whose unique taste makes it
a delicacy in Southeast Asia. Not everyone
turns out to be a fan of this fruit from the
International and original
mallow family, which is also called the “stink
fruit” and is even banned on the Singapore
After viewing everything from above, it’s
metro on account of its unusual smell.
worth taking a good long stroll around
the Chinatown, Little India, and Arab
Visitors can wind down the day in the
Street quarters, which Sir Stamford Raffles,
Long Bar in the famous Raffles Hotel. This
Singapore’s founding father, established to
is where, in 1915, the “Singapore Sling”
give each nationality a district of its own.
cocktail was created, which is the city state’s
Despite the growing international feel , the
unofficial national drink. The Long Bar
areas have still kept much of their original
provides peanuts for its guests to eat , who
character.
then simply throw the shells on the floor!
There are around 140 large mosques, temples This is not allowed anywhere else in the
†
clean city of Singapore. and churches, with the Sri Krishnan Temple,
Pictures: Fotolia.com/SeanPavonePhoto/f11photo/martinhosmat083/De Visu/surangaw/ronniechua/boule1301, Raffles Hotel , Marina Bay Sands
PLACE TO BE
PLACE TO BE
The Feast for the Eyes
Sri Mariamman Temple
The Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown is the oldest
and largest Hindu temple in Singapore and is often
photographed for its opulent decorative statue.
244 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058793
The View
Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
The Supertrees, which are steel
structures overgrown with
vegetation, are used, among
other things, to cultivate rare
plants. Two of the towers are
linked by a skyway.
The Wonder
Gardens by the Bay
Whether you head for the gigantic “FlowerDome” greenhouse, the
40+ sculptures, or the redwoods, which can grow to 50 meters and
are illuminated each evening by a laser light show – there’s a lot to
discover and marvel at in the Gardens by the Bay!
18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953,
http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en.html
Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956,
open 9:30 – 22:00 Mon – Thurs
and 9:30 – 23:00 Fri – Sun,
adult entrance fee: S$23 (approx. EUR 15),
www.marinabaysands.com/sands-skypark.html
The Experience
Jungle Breakfast and Night Safari
The Cult Destination
The Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel
You must try the
Singapore Sling, the
cocktail said to have
been invented at the
Raffles Hotel.
1 Beach Road,
Singapore 189673,
open from 11:00
(Sun – Thurs until 0:30, Fri & Sat until 1:30),
www.raffles.com/singapore/dining/long-bar/
In the multi-award-winning Singapore Zoo, visitors can
breakfast with orangutans (“Jungle Breakfast”) or go on a
night-time safari.
80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826,
open daily from 8:30 – 18:00, Night Safari 19:30 – midnight ,
www.zoo.com.sg
STIMULUS
Brand ambassador Dirk Nowitzki
“He’s the perfect fit for us”
They’ve come to understand each other very well: although Thomas Bauerfeind, a member
of the Executive Board of Bauerfeind AG, and Dirk Nowitzki only met for the first time
in fall 2015, they have seen each other regularly since the basketball superstar became
Bauerfeind’s brand ambassador. In this interview, Thomas Bauerfeind tells life about the
first time he met the likable elite athlete and what makes him an ideal brand ambassador.
How do Dirk Nowitzki and Bauerfeind fit
together?
Thomas Bauerfeind: Very well. We share
the same values: Despite his incredible
sporting success, Dirk Nowitzki is a very
down-to-earth person. Very genuine. He
knows where he comes from and that success
requires hard work. That is a perfect fit for
us. We both strive to always give our best
– whether that’s on the basketball court
or in developing and producing supports,
compression stockings, and foot orthoses.
Will Dirk Nowitzki be wearing Bauerfeind
supports on the court from now on?
Thomas Bauerfeind: Dirk Nowitzki has
already been using our products for many,
many years. You can see photos of him
wearing them. For example, when he was
struggling with knee problems at the end of
January of this year, he wore our GenuTrain
during games. We don’t expect things to
change. In other words, Dirk Nowitzki will
continue to decide which of our supports he
wants to wear and when. He definitely won’t
46
be wearing them for no reason. That would
also contradict our shared understanding of
credibility and authenticity.
“Dirk Nowitzki provides an impressive demonstration of how
our products can perform.”
(Thomas Bauerfeind)
What do you hope to achieve with Dirk
Nowitzki on board as brand ambassador?
Thomas Bauerfeind: Dirk Nowitzki is
one of the greatest players in the history
of basketball and he has been using our
products for a long time. He provides an
impressive demonstration of how our
products can perform. When someone
like Dirk Nowitzki says that our products
are world-class, it undoubtedly sends out
a strong message! We want to forge new
paths with Dirk Nowitzki and showcase
the benefits that our products can bring to
anyone, whether they need them for sporting
activities or just for everyday life.
And finally, I also hope our brand will gain a
much higher profile outside of Germany. We
can reach many more people with such a wellknown figure, especially in America and Asia
where basketball is very popular, and also
grow the company in collaboration with our
retail partners. From now on, you should be
seeing Dirk Nowitzki wherever our products
are available. We will supply our medical
retailers with various marketing props for
window and store displays and advertising
†
material with images of Dirk Nowitzki. Dirk Nowitzki
... has already earned
the nicknames
“Dirkules” and
“the German
Wunderkind”
in tribute to
his status as
one of the world’s
best basketball
players. The
Würzburg-born
star has been
playing for the
Dallas Mavericks
in the NBA, the
North American
professional
basketball league,
since 1998. With them, he
became the first German to win the NBA
championship in 2011, and was also
awarded the NBA Finals MVP Award for
most valuable player in the finals. Having
achieved more than 29,000 career points,
he is among the top six scorers in NBA
history – and is one of only four players to
have reached this milestone with just one
team. The father of two is committed to
helping others through the Dirk Nowitzki
Foundation, which funds projects that
enable children and young people to
participate in society through sport and
physical activities.
The exceptional talent is yet to decide
how long he will keep playing: “I’d like
to make the best I can out of the next
few years. I’ll see how my body is feeling.
And don’t forget I’ve still got Bauerfeind’s
products – they will hopefully help me to
keep playing for a few years yet.”
What type of guy is Dirk Nowitzki?
Thomas Bauerfeind: He is completely
normal. Really, just like he is on television, in
the TV commercials. And he really is very tall.
2.13 meters. I have to look up every time I
meet him. But there’s no shyness at all. We
were very open with each other the first time
we met and were on a first-name basis right
away. That was his suggestion. He’s always
very relaxed and easy to get along with.
We met for the first time in a restaurant
in Dallas. The owner had reserved a “quiet
table” for us. But every few minutes
someone came over to say hello to Dirk
Nowitzki and shake his hand, including lots
of politicians and local celebrities. And when
we came to pay, the restaurant owner even
said we could have our meals on the house.
That was pretty unusual.
STIMULUS
Dirk Nowitzki and
Thomas Bauerfeind
in Spring 2016
in Dallas, Texas.
CONTACT
Bauerfeind worldwide
NORDIC
Bauerfeind Nordic AB
Kungsholmstorg 8
11221 STOCKHOLM
Phone: +46 (0) 774 100 020
Fax: +46 (0) 774 100 021
Email: info@bauerfeind.se
For more than 80 years Bauerfeind has been producing exclusively
at its German site. The quality of its high-class medical aids is
held in high regard all over the world. Bauerfeind is represented
around the world, with 20 subsidiaries and distributors. Modern
logistics allow us to guarantee short delivery times to our trading
partners. In all , around 2,000 employees worldwide work for the
†
success of the company and the benefit of patients. GERMANY
Bauerfeind AG
Triebeser Straße 16
07937 Zeulenroda-Triebes
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 36628-66-10 00
Fax: +49 (0) 36628-66-19 99
Email: info@bauerfeind.com
Service hotline:
for international inquiries,
please contact
Phone: +49 (0) 36628 661 660
Fax: +49 (0) 36628 661 699
USA
Bauerfeind USA, Inc.
1230 Peachtree St NE
Suite 1000
ATLANTA, GA 30309
Phone: +1 800 423 3405
Phone: +1 404 201 7800
Fax: +1 404 201 7839
Email: info@bauerfeindusa.com
BENELUX
Bauerfeind Benelux B.V.
Waarderveldweg 1
2031 BK HAARLEM
THE NETHERLANDS
Phone: +31 (0) 23 531 94 27
Fax: +31 (0) 23 532 19 70
Email: info@bauerfeind.nl
www.bauerfeind.nl
BELGIUM
Phone: +32 (0) 2 527 40 60
Fax: +32 (0) 2 792 53 45
Email: info@bauerfeind.be
www.bauerfeind.be
SPAIN
Bauerfeind Ibérica, S.A.
Historiador Diago, 13
46007 VALENCIA
Phone: +34 96 385 66 33
Fax: +34 96 385 66 99
Email: info@bauerfeind.es
Picture: mk archiv
FRANCE
Bauerfeind France S.A.R.L.
B.P. 50258
95957 ROISSY CDG CEDEX
Phone: +33 (0) 1 4863 28 96
Fax: +33 (0) 1 4863 29 63
Email: info@bauerfeind.fr
48
ITALY
Bauerfeind AG
Filiale Italiana
Piazza Don Enrico Mapelli 75
20099 SESTO SAN GIOVANNI (MI)
Phone: +39 02 8977 6310
Fax: +39 02 8977 5900
Email: info@bauerfeind.it
SWITZERLAND
Bauerfeind AG
Vorderi Böde 5
5452 OBERROHRDORF
Phone: +41 (0) 56 485 82 42
Fax: +41 (0) 56 485 82 59
Email: info@bauerfeind.ch
AUSTRIA
Bauerfeind Ges.m.b.H.
Hainburger Straße 33
1030 WIEN
Phone: +43 (0) 800 4430 130
Fax: +43 (0) 800 4430 131
Email: info@bauerfeind.at
CONTACT
UNITED KINGDOM
Bauerfeind UK
Regents Place
338 Euston Road
LONDON
NW1 3BT
Phone: +44 (0) 121 446 53 53
Fax: +44 (0) 121 446 54 54
Email: info@bauerfeind.co.uk
SLOVENIA
Bauerfeind d.o.o.
Dolenjska cesta 242 b
1000 LJUBLJANA
Phone: +386 (0)1 4272 941
Fax: +386 (0)1 4272 951
Email: info@bauerfeind.si
SINGAPORE
Bauerfeind Singapore Pte Ltd.
Blk 41 Cambridge Road #01-21
SINGAPORE 210041
Phone: +65 6396 3497
Fax: +65 6295 5062
Email: info@bauerfeind.com.sg
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Bauerfeind d.o.o.
Meše Selmovića 19
71000 SARAJEVO
Phone: +387 (0) 33 710 100
Fax: +387 (0) 33 619 422
Email: info@bauerfeind.ba
CROATIA
Bauerfeind d.o.o.
Goleška 20
10020 ZAGREB
Phone: +385 (0) 1 6542 855
Fax: +385 (0) 1 6542 860
Email: info@bauerfeind.hr
REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Bauerfeind Dooel Skopje
50 Divizija 24 a
1000 SKOPJE
Phone: +389 (0) 2 3179 002
Fax: +389 (0) 2 3179 004
Email: info@bauerfeind.mk
SERBIA
Bauerfeind d.o.o.
102 Omladinskih brigada
11070 NOVI BEOGRAD
Phone: +381 (0) 11 2287 050
Fax: +381 (0) 11 2287 052
Email: info@bauerfeind.rs
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Bauerfeind Middle East FZ-LLC
GF-09, District 1, 71 MPC Building
Dubai Healthcare City
P.O. Box 505116
DUBAI
Phone: +971 4 4335 685
Fax: +971 4 4370 344
Email: info@bauerfeind.ae
49
PEOPLE
Bauerfeind USA
Meet and greet with Dirk Nowitzki
One person towers above the rest... Dirk Nowitzki with Bauerfeind partners and employees.
First meeting in the new formation
On March 15, 2016, the Bauerfeind Quality Partner
Advisory Board met in Zeulenroda, Germany, for the first
time since the advisory board election that took place
last year. The board welcomed Charly Schwarz (front , 2nd
from right) as the new board member for Berlin. The board
members reelected Torsten Quarg (front , 3rd from right)
from the North-Rhine Westphalia/Rhineland electoral
district as the chairman of the Quality Partner Advisory
Board and confirmed the appointment of Ronald Werner
(2nd Row, center) from the Saxony electoral district as
the deputy advisory board chairman. In the meeting, the
committee discussed the latest news from the product
divisions. Marketing and the latest political developments
affecting the healthcare sector were also on the agenda.
The Bauerfeind Quality Partner Advisory Board is a committee that represents the interests of over 1,000 quality
†
partners in Germany, and is unique in the sector.
Jannis
Hoffsümmer
and Simone
Maly worked on
a Bauerfeind
shoulder
orthosis.
Visiting Bauerfeind
A glimpse into the world of
product development
Representing
the interests
of medical
retailers: the
Bauerfeind
Quality Partner
Advisory Board.
50
19 students from Münster University
of Applied Sciences, including Jannis
Hoffsümmer and Simone Maly, visited
Bauerfeind in Zeulenroda, Germany, during
February 2016. As students of technical
orthopedics, the guests used their two-day
visit to talk to development engineers and
product managers.
Bauerfeind has been supporting the
“Technical Orthopedics” course since 2002
with an endowed professorship in the field
of biomechanics. The company regularly
invites students to visit its headquarters
in Zeulenroda. The visitors from Münster
gained an insight into how the development
process works at Bauerfeind, and were given
the chance to try their hand at product
†
development in a simulation exercise.
Bauerfeind Quality Partner Advisory Board
This spring, Bauerfeind USA hosted
healthcare professionals and business
partners during a two-day Dallas event
featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Bauerfeind’s
global brand ambassador. The event
kicked off with a customer reception
and product showcase where Thomas
Bauerfeind, Bauerfeind AG Chief Financial
Officer; Dirk Treiber, Bauerfeind AG Chief
Commercial Officer, International; Greg
Vaughn, Bauerfeind USA Chief Executive
Officer; and Warren Colter, Bauerfeind USA
Chief Marketing Officer each addressed
the audience with remarks on the history,
innovation, and planned growth of
Bauerfeind in the US market. Guests later
enjoyed a Dallas Mavericks basketball
game and breakfast banquet meet and
†
greet with Dirk Nowitzki.
BODYTRONIC® ID:CAM
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SIMPLE AND CLEVER MODELING
OF MILLED ORTHOSES
•
•
•
•
•
•
free and easy to use for orthotists
very intuitive and simple operation
integrated module and foot orthosis library saves time
three user profiles: Basic, Advanced and Professional
available online 24/7
complete flexibility when it comes to measurement
data: foot scanning, blueprint, pressure measurement
data and 3D foam imprint scanning
For customized
milled orthoses
BAUERFEIND.COM
GenuPoint®
BAUERFEIND.COM
Patellar tendon support
With its special pad, the GenuPoint helps to
alleviate pain in the front of the knee and
counteract restricted mobility.
• Noticeable relief
• Individually adjustable compression
• Easy to put on
Targeted relief
for the patellar tendon

magazine - Bauerfeind

Transcription

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