magazine · 2018. 6. 27. · life magazine 2018/15 contents 3 editorial 4 imprint 6 world of...

internationalmagazine

Issue 2018 | 1

Effective vein therapy for the early stages of PADNew: VenoTrain angioflow compression stocking Page 28

“Basically anyone will benefit from this stocking”Study into the VenoTrain cocoon compression stocking Page 23

Diabetic foot syndrome: prevention is keyEarly foot orthosis therapy can prevent foot ulcers Page 32

Giving biomechanics a helping handNew orthoses for ankle instability 6

BAUERFEIND.COM

NEW

MalleoLoc® L & MalleoLoc® L3LIGHTWEIGHT IN YOUR SHOES – SECURE DURING EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES

The lateral orthoses for ankle instability support early functional therapy and are adjustable to everyday loading situations of your patients.

STABLE works laterally to counteract excessive supination and a talar shift SIMPLE slim fit promotes compliance and fits in sneakers, everyday shoes and work shoes

INDIVIDUAL consistent or variable stabilization

MalleoLoc® Lprovides support after injuries and in cases of ligament weakness

MalleoLoc® L33 stabilizing elements – shell, straps, and compression support – for multi-stage therapy

LIGHT FEELINGLATERAL STABILIZATION

LIVELY DAYS

EN_180205 malleoloc-l3_anzeige_arzt_4c_210x280.indd 1 05.02.2018 16:16:48

BAUERFEIND.COM

NEW

MalleoLoc® L & MalleoLoc® L3LIGHTWEIGHT IN YOUR SHOES – SECURE DURING EVERYDAY ACTIVITIES

The lateral orthoses for ankle instability support early functional therapy and are adjustable to everyday loading situations of your patients.

STABLE works laterally to counteract excessive supination and a talar shift SIMPLE slim fit promotes compliance and fits in sneakers, everyday shoes and work shoes

INDIVIDUAL consistent or variable stabilization

MalleoLoc® Lprovides support after injuries and in cases of ligament weakness

MalleoLoc® L33 stabilizing elements – shell, straps, and compression support – for multi-stage therapy

LIGHT FEELINGLATERAL STABILIZATION

LIVELY DAYS

EN_180205 malleoloc-l3_anzeige_arzt_4c_210x280.indd 1 05.02.2018 16:16:48

life magazine 2018/1 3

EDITORIAL

Dear readers,

Getting up, going out , being active, doing sport – these are, of course, all activities that we think of as good. But what if we have to psych ourselves up first? Sometimes we’re afraid of taking a wrong step which will then cause us pain... Anyone who suffers from ankle instability will know exactly what I’m talking about. In our Focus section, we present two new ankle orthoses which provide support for exactly these kinds of everyday activities, allowing people to walk with confidence again, go for a simple stroll without the fear of twisting an ankle, or suddenly decide to take the stairs to the canteen at work without a second thought. MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 make all of these things possible. As of now, these two new orthoses will complement the treatment range for functional instability of the ankle. The Sports Science Institute of the University of Freiburg, Germany, is currently conducting research into their stabilizing effect. Find out more on page 16.

In our last issue, we told you about the VenoTrain cocoon compression stocking, which protects the skin against scaliness

and itching, thanks to its integrated skincare complex. A research team at Greifswald University Hospital, Germany, tested the VenoTrain cocoon to find out what impact it has on skin moisture levels in patients with venous disease. You can read an interview with the study director on page 23.

We have another exciting new product too: the VenoTrain angioflow, which is the very first compression stocking on the market to

combine a low resting pressure with a high working pressure. This means that it can be safely used to treat advanced chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

in patients who are also in the early stages of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Turn to page 28 to find out more.

Diabetes has been a common condition for a long time now. Relieving pressure on sensitive feet is very important , not just for patients who have already been diagnosed with diabetes, but also for people at risk of developing the condition. Our new orthopedic foot orthoses, ErgoPad soft Diabetes and ErgoPad ID:Diabetes ensure that people get indication-specific foot cushioning. Read more on page 31.

Let me finish by announcing some good news for our medical retailer partners: we are standardizing our color concept for the VenoTrain standard product range over the course of the year. You can find out more on pages 38–40. The new color system will not only make stock-keeping easier, but will also simplify the decision-making process for sales staff and customers alike.

I hope you enjoy reading this new issue of Bauerfeind life!

With warm regards,

Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind

“As of now, two new orthoses, MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3, will complement the treatment range for functional instability of the ankle.”

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4 life magazine 2018/1

CONTENTS

IMPRINT:

Bauerfeind life magazineFrequency of publication: Three times per yearPrinted on chlorine-free paper

Editor:Bauerfeind AGTriebeser Straße 1607937 Zeulenroda-Triebes, GermanyTel.: +49(0)[email protected], www.bauerfeind-life.de

Authors and editorial board for this issue: Jürgen Baden, Kristina Bardele, Dr. Uwe Berendt , Beatrice Brücher, Andrea Cremer, Silvia Dethloff-Kuntze, Bernd Festerling, Simone Gebler, Kirsten Göpel , Markus Gräßer, Falk Henning, Peggy Kajrjakow, Michael Kießling, Dr. Antje Mark, Miriam Riedl , Gerd Röder, Dr. Rainer Scheuermann, Sandra Schirbel , Ulrike Schneider, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Thomä, Rico Wagner, Christian Weyer

Publisher and editorial office:mk publishing GmbH Döllgaststraße 7–9, 86199 Augsburg, Germany Tel.: +49(0)821-34457-0 [email protected], www.mkpublishing.deArticles whose author is specified reflect the opinions of their author, not those of the publisher. Reprinting in whole or in part only with written permission of the publisher.

About the cover image

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The functionally challenging anatomy of the ankle comes from the evolutionary step to the upright gait. After trauma, the level of stability needed very much hangs in the balance.

Focus: new lateral orthoses for the ankle – Page 20

Focus Page 16

16 Ankle instability Giving biomechanics a helping hand20 MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 New lateral orthoses for the ankle22 A quick test for the new ankle orthoses “Mobilization is the key aim”


CONTENTS

3 Editorial

4 Imprint

6 World of Bauerfeind

12 News

48 Contact

50 People

Diabetic foot syndrome – Page 32 Place to be: Barcelona – Page 44

Medical Page 23

23 VenoTrain cocoon study “Basically anyone will benefit from

this stocking”25 Practical experience of the VenoTrain cocoon The “care stocking” is going down well26 Spinova Osteo New freedom in osteoporosis treatment28 New: VenoTrain angioflow Effective vein therapy for

the early stages of PAD29 VenoTrain angioflow Clinical assessment by

Prof. Dr. Markus Stücker30 VenoTrain angioflow After digital measurement , it fits like

a second skin31 ErgoPad foot orthoses for people with diabetes Long-lasting protection for sensitive feet32 Diabetic foot syndrome Prevention is key

Background Page 41

41 EU General Data Protection Regulation Stringent data security requirements

Retail Page 34

34 LumboTrain in preventive occupational health Renewable back energy36 Visiting Bauerfeind’s quality partners “Company initiatives are bringing

in new customers” 36 Study into back supports Fewer “back days” in Rotterdam 37 Less back pain with LumboTrain Effective – and complies with

occupational safety standards38 New color system for the VenoTrain

standard product range Focusing on the essentials40 Interview with a designer “Color reflects an attitude to life”42 New service feature for Bauerfeind quality

partners See your store through the customer’s eyes

Place to be Page 44

44 A trip to Barcelona The jewel in Catalonia’s crown

VenoTrain cocoon study – Page 23 Osteoporosis therapy – Page 26

Olympic magicIt all started with a spectacular and moving opening ceremony on February 9 (see image), which mesmerized millions of TV viewers all over the world: the XXIII Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang. Visit www.bauerfeind.kr for interesting facts and personal first-hand impressions from the Bauerfeind team members in attendance (website in German and English). †

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WORLD OF BAUERFEIND


WORLD OF BAUERFEIND


WORLD OF BAUERFEIND

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A new name for a famous sports complex

➊ In October 2017, the multifunctional sports complex in Alkmaar in the Netherlands, which is particularly well-known for its 400-meter ice rink, changed its name to “De Meent Bauerfeind”. As well as offering a wide range of sports, such as speed skating and figure skating, handball , football , and gymnastics, the complex, which was opened in 2016, is also used as a venue for concerts and other events. When the Bauerfeind range of sports products was launched in 2016, Bauerfeind Benelux was keen to raise awareness among customers in a sporting environment. They achieved their aim through a unique sponsorship agreement in the Netherlands, guaranteed to attract plenty of attention to Bauerfeind: “De Meent Bauerfeind” is used by some 500,000 sports enthusiasts each year, while the figure for those walking past the sports complex is in the region of 15 million. †

Fresh, cheerful fashion colors ➋ The VenoTrain micro and VenoTrain soft compression stockings have been available in two new fashion colors since February 2018: Bordeaux, a bright red , and Denim, a fresh shade of blue. VenoTrain micro combines chic style with outstanding comfort. With a microfiber content of more than 50%, the stocking is particularly soft and smooth, and it also wicks moisture away from the skin perfectly. The opaque VenoTrain soft compression stocking is specially designed to gently massage the skin. Its durable knitted fabric is comfortably soft and hard-wearing at the same time. †


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Strong partners

World Congress of Phlebology in Australia

➊ In October 2017, Bauerfeind Italy became official supplier to and sponsor of the Italian Volleyball Federation (Federazione Italiana Pallavolo, FIPAV). Bauerfeind Italy is supporting the athletes in all of the Italian volleyball national teams by providing preventive care in the form of aids such as supports, orthoses, compression stockings, and foot orthoses for sport. Bauerfeind Italy will also provide the national team players with orthotic services at any time and customize products if required. In addition, all members of the FIPAV will be able to obtain Bauerfeind quality products at special rates. †

➋ The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) hosted the 18th International Union of Phlebology (IUP) World Congress from February 4 to February 8, 2018. At the congress, what is now the 9th Bauerfeind Phlebology Award (BPA) was presented to Prof. Dr. Alberto Caggiati. The Italian vascular surgeon and phlebologist , who works in various roles including at the Sapienza University of Rome, is receiving the award of 20,000 euros to conduct his research project on the use of ultrasound in patients with venous edema. The project will involve not only the assessment of skin changes, but also the possible prediction of the benefits of medical compression stockings. Bauerfeind has been conferring the BPA in association with the IUP since 2001. (Pictured, from left: Prizewinner Prof. Dr. Alberto Caggiati and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Thomä, Business Development Phlebology, Bauerfeind AG.) †


NEWS

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At their last meeting in 2017, the Bauerfeind quality partner advisors agreed to restructure the board, with the changes set to take effect from 2019. The advisory board will continue to be made up of 15 members. Nine of these members will be elected from among the quality partners, each for a term of four years. Elections will be held across the whole of Germany in fall 2018. The electoral districts (see map) have been worked out to ensure that each member of the advisory board will be representing a comparable number of quality partners. The other six members of the advisory board will be appointed by Bauerfeind AG. As experts, these members should always be technically and/or organizationally in tune with the thoughts and ideas of the quality partnership and quality partners. Bauerfeind quality partners should seize the opportunity to stand for election to the advisory board in the fall and to play an active part in the further development of the quality partnership and the industry as a whole. The board will continue with its present members until the elections are held. †

The ErgoPad Soft foot orthosis creates a comfortably soft bed for your feet and provides long-lasting cushioning.

The new measuring aid makes the measurement process easier.

Compression therapy

Bauerfeind’s new compact and user-friendly measuring aid is ideal for measuring patients for circular-knit and flat-knit compression stockings. A measuring tape is clipped into a foot frame in order to measure length. The patient can hold this tape and play an active part in the measuring process. This makes it easier for the specialist to take the circumference measurement at the right place – irrespective of whether the patient is standing up or lying down. †

New, practical measuring aid

Bauerfeind Quality Partner Advisory Board

Decision taken to restructure the board

ErgoPad Soft cushioning foot orthosis

The ErgoPad Soft cushioning foot orthosis is now available in the “extra soft” version in the wider comfort shoe shape. It is the perfect complement to the existing standard shoe shape range, which offers the choice between “soft” and “firm”. This new version will enable medical retailers to accommodate the foot orthosis wearer’s individual needs in terms of degree of cushioning and shoe shape even more effectively. Thanks to its outstanding ability to reshape itself, the ErgoPad Soft foot orthosis provides consistently effective cushioning without being permanently deformed. Wearers benefit from the long-lasting soft cushioning and, as a result , a consistently high level of wearing comfort. An integrated reinforcement element inside the foot orthosis gently supports the longitudinal arch and helps to correct misalignments. ErgoPad Soft therefore offers dual benefits: it provides stabilization in the metatarsal area and comfortably cushions the heads of the metatarsal bones and the heel. The reinforcement element makes the foot orthosis thermo-formable, allowing it to be optimally adapted to the foot. ErgoPad Soft is conically contoured on the shoe side ex works, and is very easy to adapt thanks to the lined and dotted structure on the underside. †

Now available in a comfort shoe shape

NORTH-EAST

CENTER

BAVARIABADEN-

WÜRTTEMBERG

SOUTH-WEST

NORTH

LOWER SAXONY/BREMEN

NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA/WEST

LIPPENORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA/RHINELAND


NEWS

The new TRIactive heel foot orthosis

TRIactive, the popular foot orthosis with a “jigsaw puzzle” appearance, is now available in a new design for chronic heel and ankle pain patients: TRIactive heel. The distinctive yellow zone clearly indicates the problem area – this is where the plantar fascia is attached to the heel bone. Owing to a flattened longitudinal arch, the large aponeurosis is subjected to increased tension. This can cause painful inflammation which often radiates into the wider fascia area. The TRIactive heel foot orthosis has been designed to softly cushion the painful area and to relieve strain. A Poron pad is integrated in the yellow zone to create a three-layer cushion design, providing extra soft cushioning for the plantar fascia. The integrated thermal reinforcement features a cut-out in the yellow zone to additionally support the soft cushioning. The wave-shaped and therefore irritation-free connection of the materials with different degrees of firmness, called PowerWave Technology, is particularly comfortable for patients in pain. Uncomfortable edges or transitions are prevented. †

Combatting chronic heel and ankle pain with Power(Wave)

Another brand of footwear – Haix – has now been design-tested with ErgoPad work foot orthoses.

Show off your own store in a video.

The yellow zone provides extra soft cushioning for the plantar fascia.

ErgoPad work:x and ErgoPad work:h

Design-tested with Haix firefighter boots ErgoPad work:x and ErgoPad work:h, the foot orthoses for safety footwear, have now also been design-tested with firefighter boots and multipurpose safety footwear made by footwear manufacturer Haix. Medical retailers supply these tested units to patients in accordance with the requirements of the German Employers’ Liability Insurance Association and statutory accident insurance. The units comply with DIN EN 20345 for safety footwear as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), as well as DIN 61340 for electrostatics. It is quick and easy to find out whether a particular type of safety footwear has been design-tested with both foot orthosis systems: simply use our German online “Shoe Finder” service at www.bauerfeind.de/schuhfinder. †

Bauerfeind Quality Partner Program (BQP) 2018

Personalized video by a professionalUsing moving images to attract customers’ attention in the medical retailer’s store: there is quite simply no better way for medical retailers to reach their target group quickly, directly, and emotively than by means of a well-made video. That’s why Bauerfeind is offering its quality partners in Germany a new BQP service feature in 2018. Medical retailers can use a video to promote themselves on the Internet , on social media, in their store window, or on their sales premises. Together with his team, Henning Quanz, the well-known presenter and media producer from the WDR public-broadcasting institution and the industry forum, makes sure that medical retailers come across authentically and effectively in their video. The price of the video starts at 6,999 euros and can be offset against the marketing budget. †


NEWS

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After surgery to treat a distal radius fracture, the immobilizing ManuLoc long wrist orthosis offers advantages over a plaster cast in terms of comfort and fit. This was the first conclusion reached by Dr. med. Peter Katzmaier from the MVZ medical center in Oberstdorf, Germany, in Bauerfeind life 3/2016. The analysis of the case series is now available as a digital white paper. Thirteen patients rated the stabilizing and mobilizing effects of the ManuLoc long positively, with the DASH score revealing a 22% improvement in the functional ability of the upper extremity. The Mayo Wrist Score for grip strength, pain intensity, and the wrist’s range of motion also improved by 21%. Nine patients wore the orthosis for longer than necessary, opting to wear it until the end of the six-week observation period. If you would like a copy of the white paper in German and English, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. †

ManuLoc wrist orthoses

Ultrasound will be used on the edges of the three layers of material in a ManuLoc wrist orthosis in future to weld them into a narrow seam. The result will be smoother edging with an airtight seal , improving the durability of the product and keeping it looking good for longer, even when worn extensively. The edging around the large thumb hole of the ManuLoc, ManuLoc long, and ManuLoc long Plus is being kept unsealed and wider to protect the sensitive tendon compartments. With the long versions of the wrist orthosis, the edging of the last segment on the forearm is also being left unsealed. The ManuLoc wrist orthoses immobilize a painful wrist. Depending on the particular version, the thumb, long fingers, and parts of the forearm can also be immobilized. Production will move over to the new ultrasonic welded seam in a smooth transition process starting in March. †

New seam , smooth edging

It’s time for a ManuLoc long check-up with Dr. med. Peter Katzmaier.

ManuLoc long wrist orthosis

Post-operative treatment case series

Long-lasting comfort: ultrasonic welding will now be applied to the edging of the ManuLoc orthoses.

Bauerfeind is going to be working together with Bösl Medizintechnik GmbH in future. This medical technology company, which is based in the German city of Aachen, has been developing intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices to treat lymphatic disorders for almost 40 years. The products are an integral component of complex decongestive therapy (CDT), which is used to reduce and control edema. “Both of our companies conduct rigorous research and develop special products for lymphatic therapy to reduce patient suffering and increase compliance with treatment. By combining our expertise, we can develop a seamless therapeutic pathway that benefits the patient ,” explains Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind, Chief Executive Officer of Bauerfeind AG. First up will be a research project to investigate how better monitoring of the condition of lymph patients impacts on the success of the therapy. †

Bauerfeind and Bösl Medizintechnik working in partnershipCompression therapy

Bösl Medizintechnik designs and manufactures intermittent pneumatic compression devices.

IMPORTANT DATES

March 2018

March 4-6, 201822nd European Vascular Course, Maastricht , the Netherlands, vascular-course.com

April 2018

April 26-28, 2018 Annual Meeting of the Association of Southern German Orthopedics and Trauma Surgeons (VSOU), Baden-Baden, Germany, vsou.de

April 27-28, 201828th Berlin Arthroscopy Course, Berlin, Germany, arthroskopie-berlin.de

May 2018

May 9-10, 2018European Wound Management Association (EWMA) Conference in Krakow, Poland, ewma.org

May 9-11, 201818th European Society for Sports Traumatol-ogy, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) Congress in Glasgow, Scotland, esska-congress.org

May 15-18, 2018OTWorld 2018, Leipzig, Germany, ot-world.com

May 16-18, 2018German Wound Congress and Exhibition, Bremen, Germany, deutscher-wundkongress.de

May 24-26, 2018German Olympic Congress for Sports Medicine Specialists, Hamburg, Germany, deutscher-olympischer-sportaerztekongress.de

May 30-June 1, 201819th European Federation of National Asso-ciations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT) Annual Congress, Barcelona, Spain, efort.org

June 2018

June 6-9, 2018 8th International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF) 2018 Conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 2018ilfconference.org

June 28-30, 2018 19th European Venous Forum (EVF) Annual Meeting, Athens, Greece, europeanvenousforum.org


Observational study on the LumboTrain

An observational study in Germany involving 80 employees from the NEW Group in Mönchengladbach, Viersen, Erkelenz, and Geilenkirchen investigated how successful the LumboTrain active support is at reducing back pain in industrial sector workers. Over the six-week observation period, the number of days of back pain experienced by the employees fell from 4 to 2.5 days per week. The intensity of pain

also dropped considerably over this period. While the average pain level at the outset was mild to moderate pain, 83% of the participants were experiencing just slight pain or no pain at all by the end. This improvement was also reflected by a 50% drop in the use of painkillers. The employees wore the LumboTrain support for four to six hours each day and are going to continue to do so, thanks to the beneficial effects that they noticed on their personal performance. The employees generally felt that using the LumboTrain gave them a good sense of stability in their backs. Many of those who took part in the study (average age: 50 years) work mainly in areas involving

moderate to high physical strain. You can read more about NEW’s views of the observational study and further features about the use of the LumboTrain in preventive occupational health on pages 34 and 36 of this issue. †

Less back pain in the industrial sector

Excerpt from the employee questionnaire at NEW

Did you feel that wearing the LumboTrain supported your back and relieved strain on it?

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Constant sense of stability: high scores from 6.1 to 6.9 within six weeks demonstrate a clear perception of the supportive effect of the LumboTrain.


FOCUS

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FOCUS

Walking, running, jumping – all of the body’s vertical movement forces have to be transmitted horizontally onto a small area. While the thigh muscles are generally broad, the contours of the leg gradually taper downward all the way to the ankle, a narrow load-bearing structure which transforms forces – and which is a hotspot for trauma. Instability of the ankle – a structure where ligaments play a key role – is a major risk factor and can even lead to osteoarthritis further down the line. New orthoses which provide lateral stability meet the needs of this functionally challenging part of the anatomy. We paid a visit to the Sports Science Institute of the University of Freiburg in Germany to see how MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 are giving biomechanics a helping hand.

Ankle instability

>>>

Giving biomechanics a helping hand


FOCUS

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Visitors to Freiburg who suffer from ankle instability may well find getting around the city quite challenging. Narrow water channels known as “Bächle” run along the streets of the old town and can often trip up tourists who aren’t paying attention to where they are going, causing them to stumble or even fall. Close to the city, the 1,284-meter-high Schauinsland mountain is a popular destination with visitors for its great views, but it also poses a challenge in terms of ankle stability. Many visitors, even if keen walkers, opt to take the cable car from the foot of the mountain instead. Help of this kind is very welcome. A very different kind of help for the ankles can be seen in action on this winter’s morning, just a few hundred meters away in the Sports Science Institute of the University of Freiburg.

Do the orthoses stabilize the ankle at the crucial moment?A measurement laboratory, all in white. There are cameras everywhere, both on tripods and mounted on the walls. They are all pointing at a black catwalk, which has a special panel in the middle of it. Off to the side are computers and monitors. The test subject steps onto the catwalk. He has mark-ers attached to his foot , calf, and knee that will enable the special cameras to capture

every millimeter of movement around the ankle, the most exposed joint of the human body and therefore the one which is most vulnerable to injury. Johannes Lienhard, the test subject , is wearing Bauerfeind’s new MalleoLoc L3 ankle orthosis under the markers. The set-up is designed to test the

performance of both the MalleoLoc L3 and its sister orthosis, the MalleoLoc L. Are the two orthoses capable of stabilizing the ankle at that critical moment of twisting when the foot steps onto unstable ground, to the ex-tent that no supination trauma occurs? How is the inversion speed of the talus altered? How large are the relevant angles to the axes of motion? Is there a correlation between the data recorded about the biomechanical effect of the orthoses and the test subject’s own assessment of the stability collected later? These are the questions being investi-gated by the Freiburg study. The results may help specialists to devise therapies which reduce both the high re-injury rate and the long-term risk of osteoarthritis.

Simulated injury scenarioJohannes Lienhard takes five or six steps. Due to previous sprain injuries, the footballer suffers from ankle instability in his right leg and he is therefore a good test subject. There’s a sudden crack. The panel in the middle of the catwalk has given way underneath his foot. The noise echoes in the bare room. Johannes Lienhard staggers briefly and then stoically continues on his way. Later too, when performing rapid jumps from a standing position, he keeps his cool on the tilting platform, supported by one of

>>>

Study Director Dr. Dominic Gehring from the Sports Science Institute of the University of Freiburg is a great believer in the importance of dynamic test conditions for producing meaningful results.

3D movement analysis with special cameras and ...

...wireless markers on the foot and lower leg.


FOCUS

the team’s outstretched hands. Dr. Dominic Gehring smiles. Everything is going according to plan. The key rule is: safety first. The study director and his team are in the midst of the measurement phase. Ten of the twenty test subjects have already been put through the simulated injury scenario, which is based on a tried and tested study design previously used to provide evidence of the stabilizing effect of the MalleoLoc ankle orthosis.1 “Our test subjects first have an introductory session to get them used to the set-up. The giving way of the panel is triggered by a control unit at random,” Dr. Gehring explains. “This makes sure that the muscles which stabilize the joint aren’t preactivated in expectation of the twisting movement.”

“The biomechanical function must be fulfilled”The sports scientists in Freiburg are using this dynamic stability test to investigate the protection afforded by the MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 in everyday load-bearing situa-tions. The Institute’s Director, Professor Dr. Albert Gollhofer, is quite clear in his views: “The biomechanical function must be ful-filled. And, solely on the basis of the series of measurements that we have performed with the prototypes, our expectation is that this function will indeed be fulfilled.” So far,

of this is that it boosts patient compliance – and, as the two scientists are keen to emphasize, compliance is one of the factors that determines the efficacy of a product. The MalleoLoc L3 also has a modular design, so the stabilizing protection that it provides can be adapted as required (turn to page 20 for more details about the MalleoLoc L3). Dr. Gehring and Prof. Gollhofer also believe that the support for proprioception provided by the MalleoLoc L3’s compression support and the MalleoLoc L’s optional plantar pad is a key factor: “This could be the key to therapy for functional instability. Unlike in the case of mechanical instability, with functional instability we often don’t know exactly where the core of the instability lies or what the cause is in each case.” Johannes Lienhard can’t imagine the new orthoses being used when playing football. He explains that , unlike in everyday activities, football requires a direct feel for the ball with all parts of the foot. “But I’d certainly use it for going out walking!” Maybe on the Schauinsland mountain – for a stable footing. †

1 Gehring D., Wissler S., Lohrer H., Nauck T., Gollhofer A.: Expecting ankle tilts and wearing an ankle brace influence joint control in an imitated ankle sprain mechanism during walking. Gait and Posture, 2014b; 39: 894–898.

modifications made to the standard product also fulfill this function. “The initial data suggests that the degree of stabilization is slightly lower than that of the well-known MalleoLoc,” reveals Study Director Dr. Gehring. “But in view of the unilateral design, this stands to reason and is desirable.”

Where exactly is the functional instability?While the MalleoLoc has a U-shaped shell round both the lateral and medial sides of the ankle, MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 have an L-shaped shell that covers the lateral side of the ankle. This one-sided design allows for early post-traumatic therapy and means that the orthosis is flatter and fits more easily into any type of footwear. One of the benefits

Institute Director Prof. Dr. Albert Gollhofer believes that proprioception plays a key role.

Test subject Johannes Lienhard wearing MalleoLoc L3.

The tilting platform causes a twisting movement...

...and tests the stabilizing effect.


FOCUS

MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3

Bauerfeind is adding two new orthoses to its range of products for the ankle: MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3. Worn inside the shoe, these orthoses protect against injury during everyday activities. In the case of both products, the effect is carefully regulated and can be adjusted, and the orthoses combine lateral mechanical stabilization with a proprioceptive effect.

New lateral orthoses for the ankle

lower ankle in the shoe. The anatomically shaped L-shell is positioned on the lower leg, sitting in front of the lateral malleolus and extending across the talus bone. It is fastened at the lower leg and the foot using two non-elastic Velcro straps. The shell and straps prevent both excessive supination and talar shift. Strain on the lateral capsular ligaments is relieved. As an option, a plantar pad can be attached to the midfoot bar

Often it is just minor false steps in everyday situations that destabilize the ankle: the capsular ligaments are overstretched , with the lateral ligaments being particularly affected, and they sometimes even tear. The most common type of injury is a supination trauma and this can result in functional instability. When it comes to both therapy and prevention, the ankle needs support. Stabilizing orthoses provide protection

against incorrect movements by only permitting controlled loading and thus minimizing the risk of injury. The MalleoLoc product range now offers many different levels of support.

MalleoLoc L stabilizes with its shell and straps The new MalleoLoc L ankle orthosis provides lateral stabilization for the upper and

MalleoLoc L provides lateral ankle stabilization, based on an anatomically shaped L-shell fastened by straps.

MalleoLoc L3 combines a muscle-activating compression support with the L-shaped shell and strap system, both of which can be added or removed in stages.

MalleoLoc L MalleoLoc L3


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to stimulate the foot dorsiflexor muscles when walking. This has a positive influence on sensorimotor function, with active neuromuscular stabilization of the ankle. Thanks to the unilateral and, therefore, flat design of the MalleoLoc L , it can be worn in narrow everyday shoes.

MalleoLoc L3 supports multi-stage therapy Just like its sister orthosis, the new MalleoLoc L3 stabilizes the upper and lower ankle in the shoe. It also has an L-shaped shell which is fastened at the lower leg and foot using straps. This orthosis also has a unique selling point: the shell and straps are combined with a compression support. This combination makes the MalleoLoc L3 very versatile – and it can be adapted for multi-stage treatment. MalleoLoc L3 offers three levels of stabilization: first of all , complete stabilization with the three elements of shell , straps, and support , secondly moderate stabilization with mechanical protection against twisting by means of the straps and support , and thirdly gentle stabilization provided by the support alone. When the patient is walking, the support massages the soft tissue by means of intermittent compression, so it has a proprioceptive effect and also helps to reduce swelling. It is easy to put on thanks to the zip fastening which sits in between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Used to supplement other therapy, the MalleoLoc L3 offers patients

the option of choosing the required level of stabilization themselves.

The happy medium between the MalleoLoc and MalleoTrain supportsMalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 are indicated for conservative and post-operative treat-ment of ankle sprains and torn ligaments, acute and chronic capsular ligament insta-bility, the prevention of injury in cases of chronic ligament instability, and dysfunction caused by inflammation and degeneration. Compared to the compact MalleoLoc, which has a U-shaped shell to provide both lateral and medial stabilization and can be used with or without a shoe, the new orthoses are flatter and lighter. They provide protection against sprains which occur quickly during everyday movements and minor sporting activities. The MalleoLoc, for its part , offers more mechanical support , providing protec-tion for abrupt , powerful movements and during more intense sporting activities. All three MalleoLoc orthoses prevent excessive supination and talar shift , but without re-stricting the natural heel-to-toe movement of the foot in any way. In terms of a direct comparison, the MalleoTrain and Malleo-Train Plus muscle-activating supports offer considerably more freedom of movement than the orthoses, since their main function is to reduce pain and swelling, and provide proprioceptive training. They also support conservative and post-operative therapy

after sprains and help to prevent repeat injuries. In addition, they are suitable for long-term use in cases of chronic irritation. MalleoTrain and MalleoTrain Plus actively stabilize the ankle by means of neuromus-cular stimulation brought about by the intermittent compression massage provided by the knitted fabric and pads during move-ment. The anatomically shaped visco-elastic pads are located at the medial and lateral malleolus, where they completely occupy the space on both sides between the malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Consequently, they not only prevent pres-sure peaks, but also distribute therapeutic compression to areas that are spanned by the knitted fabric. The pain-relieving and muscle-activating effects of the support are therefore further enhanced. Malleo-Train Plus also features a strap system that provides mechanical stabilization. Due to the pads, both of these supports need a bit more room in the shoe than the new orthoses. These provide active stabiliza-tion by means of a small plantar pad which can be attached using Velcro tabs or an integral compression support without pads. With their combined benefits of mechani-cal support and neuromuscular stimulation, MalleoLoc L and L3 are enhancing the range of therapeutic products for the ankle by providing moderate stabilization options for everyday use that can be worn in just about any shoe. †

Both of the new ankle orthoses, the MalleoLoc L and the MalleoLoc L3, fit into the range in between the MalleoLoc, which provides both lateral and medial stabilization, and the MalleoTrain and MalleoTrain Plus supports, which offer neuromuscular stabilization.

MalleoLoc MalleoTrain PlusMalleoTrain


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A quick test for the new ankle orthoses

“ Mobilization is the key aim”Bauerfeind life introduced the MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 to Dr. med. Jörn Kühle at the Metropol Medical Center in the German city of Nuremberg. After some brief instructions, the orthopedic specialist intuitively positioned the shell in front of his lateral malleolus and fastened it in place with the straps. He then immediately slipped his foot into his shoe and he was off…

Bauerfeind life: What is your first impression of the MalleoLoc L?Dr. Kühle: I got my foot into my shoe without needing to use a shoehorn and without the orthosis being pushed up by the edge of the shoe. I can hardly feel the shell when I’m walking.

And how about the sense of stability?Dr. Kühle: I feel supported – it’s a good feeling. I can’t really say any more than that after just five steps. There are orthoses which provide a greater degree of stabilization after an acute injury. But as I see it , the main function of the MalleoLoc L and MalleoLoc L3 is to support mobilization in patients with ankle instability. It

might also be a way of avoiding ligament reconstruction.

And what do you think of the MalleoLoc L3?Dr. Kühle: The fact that it can be adapted by removing elements is a good idea. Its modular design means that the orthosis can be used by patients with typical lateral ligament injuries until they reach the end of the road of therapy. Obviously that means that it needs to be a durable product too. With many other orthoses, Velcro straps are a breaking point. If, after putting it on four or five times, I can no longer get a good pull on the straps, then they’re useless. That problem seems to have been solved well in this case. I also like the fact that the compression of

the support helps to reduce swelling. The shape of the shell also helps with this.

…the shell that provides lateral stabilization only.Dr. Kühle: That’s not actually new. A splint called the MHH splint was developed in the 1990s and it also had an L-shaped shell. That was then followed by the wider U-shaped shells. But now the unilateral orthosis thera-peutic concept is gaining ground once more and offers certain benefits because of its light weight. What’s new about this L-shaped shell

is its attractive anatomical shaping. It follows a ventral course from the front , bypasses the line of swelling at the lateral malleolus, and can offer resistance against talar shift , which is a common problem with ankle instability.

What does an ankle orthosis need to be able to do for you to recommend it to patients in your private practice? Dr. Kühle: It must be successful. The patient must want to wear it. If patients feel , right from the outset , that it isn’t pressing too tightly and isn’t restrictive, that’s already one big obstacle overcome. If, in addition to that , the swelling goes down, the orthosis provides adequate stabilization, and it can be used by the patient throughout the rehabilitation phase, then it’s safe to say that it’s a good one. I recommend a particular type of orthosis to my patients depending on the indication in question. They then go to the medical supply retailer where they seek advice and generally choose between two models. I see the outcome at the next appointment. The score so far is: 70:30 to Bauerfeind. † Dr. med. Jörn Kühle highlights the anatomical shaping of the shell in the MalleoLoc L and L3.

“If patients feel , right from the outset , that the orthosis isn’t pressing too tightly and isn’t restrictive, that’s already one big obstacle overcome.”

(Dr. med. Jörn Kühle)


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“Unlike traditional compression stockings, the VenoTrain cocoon has an integrated lipid-replenishing skincare complex.”

(Prof. Dr. med. Michael Jünger)

Bauerfeind life: Why do wearers of compression stockings often suffer from dry skin?Prof. Dr. Jünger: A fifth of all venous patients are at an advanced stage of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), which is in turn associated with chronic skin inflammation. This generally presents as brown discoloration on the skin of the lower legs. The skin is very sensitive and dry, and tends to be rough with scaliness and cracking. As well as that , however, our skin gets drier generally as we age, since the sebaceous glands produce less sebum and the number of glands also decreases. Wearing compression stockings further exacerbates this drying process.

In what way?Prof. Dr. Jünger: A compression stock-ing fits very closely, since it is designed to exert pressure on the skin and, therefore,

on the problematic veins. And because the stocking fits so closely against the skin, it acts rather like a candle wick, transferring oil away from the skin and into the stock-ing. This effect is further compounded by shearing forces between the stocking and the skin.

What’s special about the new compression stocking and what did you investigate in your study?Prof. Dr. Jünger: With the VenoTrain cocoon, we had the chance to use a very modern and innovative medical textile. Unlike traditional compression stockings, the VenoTrain cocoon has a lipid-replenishing skincare complex integrated in the stocking. This complex is applied to the skin while the stocking is being worn. In our study, we researched how important functional parameters of the skin barrier evolve when the compression stocking is worn.

What was your methodical approach?Prof. Dr. Jünger: We were able to recruit 50 of our own patients with CVI for the study. First of all , we clinically examined all of the patients to ascertain the stage of their CVI. We then used duplex ultrasound to evaluate

the blood flow in the veins so that we could establish the extent of the hemodynamic dis-ruption. Half the patients, chosen at random, were given the medical compression stocking with the integrated skincare complex, while the other half were provided with a tradition-al compression stocking – it was a knee-

VenoTrain cocoon study

“ Basically anyone will benefit from this stocking”What impact does the new VenoTrain cocoon medical compression stocking, with its integrated skincare complex, have on skin moisture levels in patients with venous disease? A research team at Greifswald University Hospital in Germany conducted a study to find out. life spoke with Study Director Prof. Dr. med. Michael Jünger, Director of the hospital’s clinic and polyclinic for skin conditions.

For the study, Prof. Dr. med. Michael Jünger tested 50 CVI patients.

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“What’s more, the skin was actually smoother with the VenoTrain cocoon care stocking than it was with the traditional compression stocking.”

(Prof. Dr. med. Michael Jünger)

There were two sub-groups which particu-larly benefited from the compression stock-ing with the integrated skincare complex. One of these sub-groups was the male

patients, since men tend to have a lower level of moisture in their skin in the first place. We can speculate about the reasons for this, but there’s no doubt that one fac-tor is that men generally don’t take care of their skin as well as women. The second

sub-group to benefit significantly was pa-tients with a CEAP 3 classification. Patients in this category not only have poor blood flow in their veins, but they already have clinical symptoms with edema.

What feedback did your patients give you about how comfortable the two stockings tested were to wear?Prof. Dr. Jünger: Both of the stockings were very comfortable to wear, with no significant differences between them in that regard. The VenoTrain cocoon patients reported that it took them less time to put the stocking on. The stocking glides a little more easily over the skin, which is an advantage. Some people do find putting on a compression stocking a bit tricky. We recommend use of a donning aid in such cases. It’s perhaps also worth mentioning that people should wash their compression stockings every day to remove flakes of skin, since these can cause the stocking to slip otherwise.

Which patients would you particularly recommend the VenoTrain cocoon to? Prof. Dr. Jünger: Basically anyone who wants or needs to wear medical compression stockings will benefit from this stocking’s integrated skincare. As for who in particular should wear the VenoTrain cocoon, based on the results of our study, I would suggest elderly people – especially elderly men – and patients who are already at an advanced stage of CVI with pathological changes to their skin. In other words, patients who are already showing signs of skin discoloration, scaliness, or rough skin should take skincare extremely seriously. And wearing a medical compression stocking with integrated skincare would certainly be one way of doing just that. †

high stocking in both cases. Before the patients started wearing the stockings, we measured the moisture level of a specific area of the skin on the lower leg using corne-ometry and determined the transepidermal water loss. We also measured the roughness of the skin and the leg volume. The study patients wore the compression stockings for at least eight hours a day for four weeks. We also asked them to fill in a quality of life questionnaire on a daily basis. After the four weeks, the patients were then examined and questioned, and we repeated the skin moisture level , transepidermal water loss, leg volume, and skin roughness measurements.

What were the key results?Prof. Dr. Jünger: I must start by saying that the two stockings used in our study were equally effective in improving the blood flow in the veins and reducing edema. In the case of the traditional compression stocking, we found evidence of the “candle wick” effect that I mentioned. In this group of patients, the skin moisture level dropped slightly over the four weeks, while the skin’s water vapor permeability increased slightly. We also found a greater degree of skin rough-ness. This is all down to the compression stocking irritating the skin if skincare isn’t provided at the same time. Compared to the control group, there was a smaller reduc-tion in the skin moisture level in the group of patients who wore the VenoTrain cocoon. What’s more, the skin was actually smoother with the care stocking than it was with the traditional compression stocking.

The VenoTrain cocoon opaque compression stocking stimulates circulation and relieves stress on the veins – starting with cases of mild and moderate symptoms, such as spider veins or varicose veins, and especially when the skin is sensitive too. A lipophilic care complex, which is integrated in the stocking, has a continuous effect while it is being worn, gradually improving the condition of the top layer of skin. The VenoTrain cocoon is available as a knee-high stocking in compression class 2 in the colors silk, red, blue, and black. The VenoTrain cocoon is free of preservatives, perfume-free, and tested in accordance with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 as a guarantee of its safety. www.bauerfeind.de/cocoon-en

VenoTrain cocoon

Prof. Dr. Jünger shows the skin of a CVI patient with typical brown discoloration, who would benefit from the VenoTrain cocoon.

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Further information

Get your copy of the VenoTrain cocoon patient brochure by calling the following service number: +49 (0) 36628-66-1660. Further information can be found online at www.bauerfeind.de/cocoon-en.

Practical experience of the VenoTrain cocoon

“When you have customers and patients sitting in front of you, any skin problems are immediately apparent. And it’s a simple truth that people who are conscientious about wearing their compression stockings have extremely dry skin. I notice it with myself too. If I wear my stockings for several days in a row, my skin starts to become scaly. So I decided to try out the new Bauerfeind VenoTrain cocoon stocking for myself straight away and I feel really good in it. I’m now really keen to see how my skin reacts once I’ve been wearing the stockings for longer and what improvements there are in my skin’s appearance. I really like the look of the stocking – it’s very sporty and stylish. It doesn’t look like a compression stocking, and the blue and red versions are great for young people. We always try to make time to talk to patients about skincare, even when we have a packed schedule of appointments. And so it’s ideal of course if we can recommend a product with integrated skincare straight off. From the custom-er’s point of view, it’s great that they don’t need any other skincare products.I can particularly recommend the VenoTrain cocoon to customers with dry skin. But I also think that it’s possible to get younger patients enthusiastic about this product thanks to the way it looks – people who, like me, often wear jeans, for example.” Jana Wieczorek †

“I feel really good in it”

“My husband is a big fan of the VenoTrain cocoon. He spends a lot of time at trade fairs, so he often wears compression stockings. He’s been completely won over by the VenoTrain cocoon. His skin feels good, with no itching or scaliness. The extra-special skin-friendliness and care factor of the new stocking are excellent arguments in its favor, especially when it comes to male patients who have previously worn differ-ent products. We can start convincing our customers just by letting them feel the sample stockings. The VenoTrain cocoon looks like a traditional , stylish knee-high stocking, but that’s not all – it also has a nicer, smoother feel than other products. With the VenoTrain cocoon, it’s easier to persuade customers to opt for a premium product. The advantages are without doubt the fact that it’s so skin-friendly, extremely comfortable to wear, and looks good too. The integrated skincare goes down well with our fashion-conscious and health-conscious customers. Anyone can wear this compression stocking, but I would particularly recommend it to customers with dry skin. And especially to customers who have used the VenoTrain ulcertec compression stocking system for a long time and who are now switching to a normal compression stocking. The stocking is also ideal for patients who are just starting out wearing compression stockings.” Anita Ullmann-Rathenow †

“Ideal for dry skin”

Anita Ullmann-Rathenow, Manager, Sanitätshaus am Schloss medical supply retailer in Potsdam, Germany.

Jana Wieczorek, leader of the sales team at the Bauch medical supply retail store in Finsterwalde, Germany, wears the VenoTrain cocoon herself.

The “care stocking” is going down wellWhat do medical retailers and patients think of the new compression stocking? Bauerfeind life paid a visit to two medical supply retailers to find out.


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Spinova Osteo

Anyone seeking out the physician in the German town of Müllheim to the south of Freiburg in Baden-Württemberg can choose between two buildings in the same street. The sign outside the main practice in Werder-straße reads “Specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery, accident insurance consul-tant , and osteologist (DVO)”, while another branch of the practice has recently been opened just up the street with the title “Pre-ventive medicine, equipment-based osteopo-rosis therapy with the Galileo, and reference center for therapy with the HUBER360”. When it comes to dealing with bone disease, Werder-straße in Müllheim is a good place to go. And questions about a new orthosis are knowledg-ably answered here. The physician is quite clear in his opinion about the medical aid: he considers the Spinova Osteo a suitable com-ponent of multimodal osteoporosis therapy. The osteologist says that he has prescribed the orthosis to around fifteen patients to date. And his assessment so far? “The Spinova Osteo, with the new options that it offers, is a welcome addition to the range of orthoses designed to straighten the back.”

Straightening prevents a chain reactionThe orthosis relieves pain caused by osteo-porosis by straightening and stabilizing the spine. At the same time, it corrects postural misalignments and improves the patient’s gait. “These are both key factors in mini-mizing the risk of patients falling,” empha-sizes Dr. Kretschmann. He also explains how important it is to straighten the spine by describing the chain reaction that otherwise occurs: “Kyphosis caused by gradual compres-sion fractures or broken bones in the thoracic spine leads to a much greater risk of falling,” the physician explains. “If the process con-tinues , the patient ends up falling forward at some point , typically resulting in a fracture of

New freedom in osteoporosis treatment While Spinova Osteo isn’t the first orthosis that straightens the spine, it’s the first one that leaves lots of room free for the chest and abdomen. “It’s an extremely useful tool in multimodal osteoporosis therapy,” says orthopedic specialist Dr. med. Bodo Kretschmann one year on from the market launch of the orthosis.

An important factor is that the Spinova Osteo doesn’t constrict , Dr. med. Bodo Kretschmann explains.


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the radius.” In the osteologist’s experience, a straightening orthosis is an excellent way of breaking this vicious circle. With his views on this matter, the orthopedic specialist is completely in tune with the Dachverband Osteologie (DVO) – the Umbrella Associa-tion for Osteology for all German-speaking expert osteology associations – of which he is a member. In the draft S3 Guidelines 2017 – where S3 stands for the highest level of quality in evidence and recommendation – it is stated that , in cases of acute stable osteo-porotic vertebral body fractures, conservative therapy with a spine-straightening orthosis to treat pain and restricted function can be considered.

Sensitive areas of the accessory muscles of respiration are left free“The necessary straightening must be por-trayed by the design of the orthosis,” insists Dr. Kretschmann. “And the Spinova Osteo does just that.” The spine is straightened by the long lever of the aluminum reclinator, which is anchored in a stabilizing pelvic sup-port. “And what’s more, there are no con-stricting straps,” Dr. Kretschmann continues. “That’s something which the patients really appreciate.” This is indeed a very special feature of the Spinova Osteo, which was launched onto the market in early 2017, and one of its USPs that sets it apart from the other straightening orthoses available: the chest and abdomen are left free. Patients

who wear this orthosis have no constrict-ing straps in these sensitive areas of the accessory muscles of respiration. Instead, the straightening force, which can be individu-ally adjusted, comes from a crossed tension-ing strap system that takes in the sides of the body and passes over the shoulders.

Success = patient comes to the check-up wearing the orthosis How does the osteologist measure the success of his combined therapy with the Spinova Osteo? Of course, medication, physiotherapy, and the Galileo and HUBER360 multifunction-al equipment mentioned earlier all play a vital part in the multimodal treatment provided by the physician. But the benefits of the orthosis particularly come to the fore when patients are experiencing acute pain. “Pain is quite clearly the trigger for putting on the Spinova Osteo,” says the physician. “The acuter the pain, the faster the patient reaches for the orthosis. And the more noticeable the relief.” The physician says that he often also sees a combination of generally degenerative and osteoporotic processes, and that in these cases, the “aha effect” of the pain relief is less pronounced. Patients – usually unwit-tingly – give a clear indication of the success of the orthosis therapy when they turn up for their check-up with the physician. “If a patient turns up wearing the orthosis, it’s clear that they’re finding it helpful ,” explains Dr. Kretschmann, “and any patient turning up

not wearing it will not fool me with the ex-cuse ‘I just wanted to save time when getting undressed for the examination’”!

“You’re walking completely differently all of a sudden!”The physician believes that he himself has a responsibility to help sort out any problems relating to compliance. To make sure that the patient wears the orthosis consistently as required, Dr. Kretschmann explains to the patient how orthoses work and how comfort-able they are nowadays. “Alongside the team of orthotists at the medical supply retailer, I also see it as my responsibility to persuade patients of the benefits of medical aids and to rid them of the notion that an orthosis will feel constrictive and uncomfortable. It makes my job much easier when, as in the case of the Spinova Osteo, there are no bothersome straps in the way, the orthosis doesn’t slip, it’s unobtrusive under clothing, and can even be worn when sitting down.” However, the big-gest validation for wearing an orthosis comes from a completely different source – a neigh-bor who, quite by chance, meets the patient by the elevator: “You’re walking quite differ-ently – what’s changed?” Any patient hearing that then puts their new-found mobility to the test by opting for the stairs instead. “After all , taking an active part in everyday life again is what matters more to elderly people than anything else,” Dr. Kretschmann explains. †

Osteoporosis affects men too: Spinova Osteo counteracts hyperkyphosis. Stability (top) for osteoporotic vertebrae (bottom).


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Depending on the intensity of the circulation impairment ,

PAD patients often experien-ce pain when walking that

quickly disappears when they stand still.

New: VenoTrain angioflow

Up until now, many physicians have shied away from treating their CVI patients with early-stage PAD with compression stockings due to the fear that they will reduce arterial perfusion. But now, the VenoTrain angioflow has been specially developed for CVI treatment in stages C3 to C5 of early-stage PAD. Thanks to its low resting pressure (compression class 1), the stocking can be used on patients with an ankle-brachial index of between 0.5 and 0.9, as well as an arterial pressure of at least 60 mmHg at the ankle. The special feature of the short-stretch elastic, circular knit stocking is its combination of low resting pressure and high working pressure, which corresponds to compression class 3. This leads to deeply

With the VenoTrain angioflow, Bauerfeind is launching the very first compression stocking that can also be used to treat chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in patients with early-stage peripheral arterial disease (PAD) thanks to its unique combination of low resting pressure and high working pressure.

Effective vein therapy for the early stages of PAD

PAD is caused by disrupted blood circulation due to deposits in the arteries (calcification).


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“Compensated arterial disease is one of the relative contraindications of compression therapy. For patients with an ankle-brachial index greater than 0.5 and absolute arterial pressure at the ankle of 60 mmHg, compression with a contact pressure of up to 40 mmHg is not considered to be problematic (Reich-Schupke and Stücker, Moderne Kompressionstherapie, Cologne 2013). It is only at compression pressures of 41 mmHg or more in the ankle region that a drop in perfusion in the area of the big toe is seen, measured as laser Doppler flux (Mosti et al., Journal of Vascular Surgery 2012). In contrast , the ejection fraction of the venous blood increases in situations such as these as the compression pressure is increased, with the result that , firstly, the safety of compression stockings in peripheral arterial disease has been proven, and secondly, their effectiveness is also well documented.

by Prof. Dr. med. Markus Stücker, Managing Director of the Clinic of Dermatology, Venerology, and Allergology at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany.

Clinical assessment of the VenoTrain angioflow

effective improvement of the venous pump function and thus also the venous return flow in the wearer.

Very comfortable to wearThe VenoTrain angioflow has a high micro-fiber content and is therefore particularly comfortable to wear. The comfort foot has a reinforced instep and a soft , padded sole without any noticeable seams for added comfort , a reduced pressure sensation, and a pleasant wearing experience when walking. Thanks to the generous 90 degree heel area, the low resting pressure, and the high level of stiffness, the compres-sion stocking is easy to put on and take off. The stocking also has less knit fabric on the instep, preventing wrinkles and the formation of any possible pressure points or constriction, especially when sitting. And, last but not least , the optimized toe without any pressing seams in that area helps to ensure that the stocking can be used safely. The stocking can be ordered

with an optional inspection opening in the sole area so that the circulation situa-tion can be observed.

Precise measuring with Bodytronic 600VenoTrain angioflow is a customized stocking that must fit like a second skin on account of its short-stretch properties.

For this reason, more measuring points are needed for this stocking than when fitting a conventional compression stocking. The corresponding measurement sheet can be obtained for this purpose. Ideally, however, the measurement is performed digitally using Bodytronic 600 (see the article on page 30 for more information on this). †

If the transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure is measured under compression in cases of peripheral arterial disease, an increase in this parameter can be seen in compression values of up to 50 mmHg (Mosti et al., Journal of Vascular Surgery 2012), which has been verified in patients with an ankle-brachial index of 0.58 on average.

The VenoTrain angioflow compression stocking has a resting pressure of 20 mmHg in the ankle region, which is well below the potential risk threshold of 41 mmHg. Furthermore, just like the compression garments used in the above-mentioned studies, it has a low elasticity. It also has a very low pressure in the foot region of well below 10 mmHg, which is comparable to a normal textile stocking. All in all , this is a stocking that exerts a much lower compressive force than the compression garments used in previous studies on patients with peripheral arterial disease. In addition, its special charac-teristics (high stiffness, especially low pressure in the foot region) set it apart from the compression stockings currently in use.” †

Sophisticated details: the toe area with no uncomfortable seams, the wide heel area making it easy to put on and take off, and the optional inspection opening on the sole.

Prof. Dr. med. Markus Stücker, Ruhr University Bochum.

about the VenoTrain angioflow can be found atwww.bauerfeind.de/angioflow-en.

Further information


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The “traditional measurement points” B (ankle), B1 (base of the calf), C (calf), and D (narrow section under the knee) are taken into account. If the stocking is just 0.5 or 1 cm too wide at B1 and 0.5 or 1 cm too narrow at D, there is firstly a drastic drop in pressure toward B1, followed by an increase in pressure toward the knee – in terms of compression therapy, this is counterproductive.

To generate the 3D model , the Bodytronic measurement system projects beams of light onto the relevant body part and captures them digitally. The beams display a grid on the skin that is used to generate a highly accurate 3D cloud of dots. Using these measurements as a basis, the VenoTrain angioflow can be knitted to perfectly match the contours of the leg and fit like a second skin.

VenoTrain angioflow

Medical compression stockings – especially those with a high working pressure like the VenoTrain angioflow – can only work to maximum therapeutic effect if they fit perfectly. And this is exactly where the Bodytronic 600 measurement system comes in.

After digital measurement , it fits like a second skin

High working pressure is a must when treating advanced stages of chronic venous insufficiency. During movement , the greater stiffness of the compression knit exerts a massage effect that also reaches the deeper veins, resulting in effective decongestion of the legs. A high working pressure means that the material used must have a very low degree of basic stretch. However, this in turn means that the measurement toler-ances associated with the compression knit are very low, so more stringent requirements for an excellent fit apply.

Precise measurements are absolutely essentialAs the basic stretch decreases, sensitivity to variations in measurements increases drasti-

cally. This is particularly true in the case of materials where the basic stretch is less than 20% – and the VenoTrain angioflow falls into this category. Precise measure-ments are therefore absolutely essential in order to guarantee the best possible fit.

Bodytronic 600 for a perfect fitWhen measuring patients for the VenoTrain angioflow compression stocking, use of the Bodytronic 600 digital measurement system is recommended as the best way of avoid-ing measurement errors right at the outset. The 3D body scanner makes it possible to precisely measure the leg all the way up to the hip, including the knee and ankle. The measurement process takes just five minutes. What’s more, no contact is involved

and no special measurement garments are required. The system uses the image data to produce a digital 3D model of the part of the body scanned. Many more measurement points (approximately one measurement point per millimeter) can be obtained from this 3D image. The system also transmits a much denser sequence of reference points to the knitting program, meaning that the mea-surement program needs to calculate fewer intermediate values through interpolation. Use of digital measurement technology means that measurement errors are practically non-existent. The VenoTrain angioflow is then produced on the basis of the many measuring points using a special “contour knitting” process, resulting in a product that fits like a second skin. †

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ErgoPad foot orthoses for diabetics

Long-lasting protection for sensitive feetWith diabetic patients, relieving pressure on the sole of the foot is essential in order to reduce the risk of pressure points and wounds. The new orthopedic foot orthoses, ErgoPad soft Diabetes and ErgoPad ID:Diabetes ensure that people with diabetes in risk categories 0 to VII1 get indication-specific foot cushioning.

Even patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) who are in a low risk category should be provided with indication-specific foot cushioning. The ErgoPad soft Diabetes foot orthosis, with its multi-layer, long-sole design features soft padding with different levels of stiffness and provides differentiated cushioning. On the foot side, a soft layer of Poron absorbs the first load impact and reduces pressure peaks when putting the foot down. Underneath that , Vepur, the viscoelastic soft foam exclusive to Bauerfeind, provides particularly long-lasting cushioning, since this specially developed polyurethane-based foam offers extremely high pressure and shock absorption, and long-lasting shape retention. The ability of the material to regain its shape after loading was measured in a continuous stress test.2 In this test , the ErgoPad soft Diabetes achieved a shape retention of 92.5% after one million step cycles. Lastly, two firmer soft foam layers with 35° shore and 45° shore stabilize the ankle in the heel area, moderately support the foot arches, and correct foot misalignment. The ErgoPad soft Diabetes foot orthosis therefore ensures indication-specific foot cushioning for people with diabetes and foot deformities and/or loss of sensitivity resulting from polyneuropathy or peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

New milled foot orthosis with complete foot cushioning for diabetics The Bauerfeind range now includes a milled foot orthosis with specially adapted foot cushioning for patients in DFS risk catego-ries II to VII: the ErgoPad ID:Diabetes. With this foot orthosis too, the multi-layer, long-sole design features soft padding and Vepur to ensure absorption of loads, redistribution

of pressure, and reduction of pressure peaks. The web application for creating the foot orthosis topology with Bodytronic ID:CAM uses a specially developed algorithm for optimal pressure distribution. The orthotist can individually combine the required thicknesses of soft padding at the computer and specifically use layers with different degrees of firmness to guide the foot , support the foot arches, and correct foot misalignments. Special pressure relief zones and functional elements can also be incorporated as required. After the

individual modeling process, Bauerfeind then mills the foot orthosis to achieve the perfect fit for the patient’s foot , before sending it to the medical retailer. The orthotist then puts the final touches to the product and fits the milled orthoses precisely into the patient’s shoes. †

1 From risk category IV, only in conjunction with custom-made shoes. 2 Test design for Bauerfeind continuous stress test and shape retention test available on request

Protecting diabetic patients’ feet: ErgoPad soft Diabetes (left) and ErgoPad ID:Diabetes (right).

on the ErgoPad foot orthoses for people with diabetes can be found atwww.bauerfeind.de/soft-diabetes-en.

Further information


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Diabetic foot syndrome

Prevention is keyApproximately one in every ten people with diabetes develops diabetic foot syndrome (DFS). PD Dr. med. Alexander Mehlhorn, a foot specialist from Munich, Germany, is in no doubt that many foot ulcers can be avoided through the use of foot orthoses at an early stage.

“Unfortunately most of my patients only come to me once the horse has bolted so to speak, i.e. when they already have an open foot ulcer,” PD Dr. med. Alexander Mehlhorn says. The specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery, who has been a consultant at the Center for Foot and Ankle Surgery at Schön Klinik München Harlaching in Germany since November 2015, primarily treats patients with diabetes or conditions associated with diabe-tes. “Diabetic patients with neuropathy are at particular risk. The nerve damage means that those affected don’t feel pain, so they simply don’t notice pressure points or chafing.” Wounds and ulcers don’t heal as well in people with diabetes. If this then leads to a bacte-rial infection and is not treated promptly,

the surrounding tissue including the bone can also become infected. This can result in sepsis, massive deformation, or amputation in extreme cases. The amputation risk for a diabetic is up to 25 times higher than that of a non-diabetic. PD Dr. Mehlhorn does every-thing in his power to treat the problem before it gets to the amputation stage, because preserving the extremities is a top priority.

Relieving pressure – in a conservative and minimally invasive wayIf a patient with a foot ulcer comes to see him, the specialist starts by looking for the cause. “The key question is: why does the patient have this ulcer? Is decreased perfu-sion the cause? Or has the ulcer been caused

by mechanical pressure, as is the case with the majority of my patients? Are there any protruding bones or misalignments which are contributing to this ulcer?” PD Dr. Mehlhorn can identify a neuro-pathic pathogenesis in his patients from the characteristic shape of the feet alone: “The typical diabetic neuropathic foot has an extremely pronounced longitudinal arch, frequently developing into pes cavus. Hyperextension in the MTP joints and PIP joint flexion contractures cause claw toes and hallux flexus of the big toe. This combination of factors means that there are already a number of places where an ulcer will typically develop,” the foot specialist emphasizes. Ulcers underneath the heads

Everything is interconnected: PD Dr. med. Alexander Mehlhorn is a great advocate of an interdisciplinary approach to treating patients with diabetes.


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of the metatarsal bones are one example. “Even the fact that many diabetic neuro-pathic feet have such a high instep means that there’s a lot of pressure underneath the heads of the metatarsal bones due to the steep angle of the metatarsals. These ulcers are treated conservatively to begin with – by providing appropriate wound care and foot orthoses with soft cushioning,” PD Dr. Mehlhorn explains. However, if there is no improvement after a certain period of time, he has no doubts about recommending surgical intervention. “One option is small , minimally invasive metatarsal osteotomies. Relieving the pressure normally allows the

ulcer to heal. This procedure works very well in our experience. It’s important to use foot orthoses again after the surgery.” According to PD Dr. Mehlhorn, claw toes themselves are also associated with a major wound risk. As he explains, diabetic patients with claw toes tend to develop an ulcer in one of two places: either up at the front

at the tip or dorsally in the region of the proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP joints) of the toes. The specialist goes on to say that a great deal can be achieved in these cases through minimally invasive surgery. “Once the toe is straight again, the ulcer heals too. It’s essential to advise patients to use foot orthoses afterwards, both to preserve the result and to prevent new complications from arising,” the experienced physician explains.

Thinking about foot orthoses as soon as diabetes is diagnosedThe physician recommends that high-risk patients, i.e. diabetics with diagnosed neuropathy or peripheral arterial disease, should use complete foot cushioning that is specially adapted for patients with diabetes. “A custom-made shoe combined with an appropriate foot orthosis or else a diabetic-friendly shoe plus a foot orthosis is indicated for serious misalignments.” The orthopedic specialist stresses that while it is important that the foot orthosis is made by a skilled orthotist , it must also be checked over by the prescribing physician once it has been handed over: “Inspection and approval is mandatory!” There’s another point too which is very important to PD Dr. Mehlhorn: “In order to prevent complications, I would also

like to see patients with diabetes wearing soft foam foot orthoses even if they don’t have any problems with their feet. It’s im-portant to think about foot orthoses as soon as diabetes is diagnosed, because prevention is so important for patients with diabetes.” The specialist is keen to point out that he de-pends on help from others – not just family physicians, diabetes specialists, and ortho-pedic colleagues, but also members of the pa-tient’s family: “Many people with diabetes try to avoid an appointment with the physician, because they find it difficult and are aware that it might be associated with bad news. It can sometimes be hard, therefore, for physi-cians to reach patients and to persuade them that foot orthoses, daily foot inspections, and other important prevention measures are essential.” He also explains that once people with diabetes are given a foot orthosis, they are often lulled into a false sense of security, wearing it well beyond the end of its service-able life – which may cause problems. “The durability and shape retention of the foot orthosis is therefore very important. That’s why it’s all the more gratifying that manufac-turers like Bauerfeind are tackling the issue of shape retention,” the specialist explains. “After all , sensitive diabetic feet need the best possible protection!” †

Diabetes and peripheral neuropathy leave their mark on the nerves: Dr. Mehlhorn tests to find out how sensitive his diabetic patient’s foot is.

Foot inspections are important for diabetics.

“As a preventive measure, I would also like to see patients with diabetes wearing soft foam foot orthoses even if they don’t have any problems with their feet.”

(PD Dr. med. Alexander Mehlhorn)


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LumboTrain in preventive occupational health

Ellen Basner has no regrets. On the contrary, she was delighted with the initiative: “It was a convincing proposal and the initial results certainly validate our decision.” Standing in the bus workshop of Niederrhein Energie und Wasser (NEW) AG in Mönchengladbach, this busy lady with her short haircut is quite clearly happy. The two men in boiler suits standing next to the Head of Occupational Health Management at NEW know exactly what she is referring to. After all , they are both wearing the “proposal” underneath their work clothes. Stefan Passow and René Halcour are two of the first wave of 80 employees in the workshop and mechanic section whose backs are being bolstered by the LumboTrain active support during their everyday work.

Musculoskeletal disorders at the forefrontAs Stefan Passow and René Halcour know only too well , musculoskeletal disorders in general and back problems in particular are continuously on the rise in branches of industry where a variety of tasks are under-taken. According to the BKK health insurance company’s report , musculoskeletal disorders were the number one reason for sick leave in

2016, accounting for 25.2% of the sick leave days taken by its policy holders. Measured by the frequency of occurrence, the figure is 16.4 cases per 100 policy holders, putting mus-culoskeletal disorders in second place after respiratory diseases. And in the musculoskel-etal group, the “back” accounts for the largest percentage. For Ellen Basner, this was reason enough to initiate action for backs and give Bauerfeind’s “convincing proposal” a go.

LumboTrain as a mark of the company’s appreciation The Head of Occupational Health Manage-ment at NEW first came into contact with Bauerfeind during an in-house voluntary health check for employees. This involved a package of measures, such as foot and venous pressure measurements, and a back analy-sis. Bauerfeind performs such occupational health management measures as an external service provider, usually in conjunction with its regional quality partners. After this posi-tive experience, it was an obvious next step for Ellen Basner to seriously consider offering staff treatment with a LumboTrain support. After consultation with the internal occupa-

tional health management steering com-mittee and the executive management , the decision to proceed was taken quickly. It was decided that a select pilot group of people would wear the back-relief support at work for a period of six weeks, following detailed discussions with the relevant managers and a consultation with a physician if required. The individuals involved were asked to record their experiences of using the support in a personal diary. After the six-week period, the aid would be the wearer’s to keep. “We put a lot of thought into the selection process, because we didn’t want to take a scattergun approach,” Ellen Basner is keen to emphasize. “At the end of the day, it was a voluntary decision to take part.” For Stefan Passow and René Halcour, it was an easy choice to make. “As well as liking its pleasant supportive ef-fect , I also felt that the support was a mark of the company’s appreciation of the workshop

staff,” Stefan Passow explains. René Halcour is also delighted: “I’ve had experience of other back supports which were more of a hindrance than a help. In this case, the oppo-site is true.” The electronics technician pulls up his jacket to show a glimpse of titanium and blue.

LumboTrain promotes the natural healing processThe LumboTrain active support gently straightens and relieves the lumbar spine. With every movement , the compression knit

The initial reactions from staff were unequivocal: “A fantastic initiative – more please!”80 LumboTrain-wearing employees of the Niederrhein Energie und Wasser (NEW) AG utility company in Mönchengladbach, Germany, are only too pleased to “back” the initiative conducted in partnership with Bauerfeind to combat musculoskeletal disorders.

According to the BKK health in-surance company’s report , mus-culoskeletal disorders were the number one reason for sick leave in 2016, accounting for 25.2% of the sick leave days taken by its policy holders.

Renewable back energy

Stefan Passow, Ellen Basner, and René Halcour (left to right) are delighted with the success of the initiative.


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and a massage pad help to reduce tension in the lumbar spine region and relieve pain. The support also activates the stabilizing trunk muscles. Regardless of whether the problem is lumbago or low back pain, those affected find that the LumboTrain is like a helping hand for the back that restores stability – and all without any need for drugs. René Halcour can vouch for this: “I used to get pain sometimes and had to take medication to ease it. Since I’ve been wearing the LumboTrain, I haven’t had any pain.” Data on the efficacy of the LumboTrain in treating non-specific, acute, and usually lumbar back pain is provided by a number of studies, including those con-ducted by PD Dr. med. Christoph Anders at Jena University Hospital,Germany, and his team1. His conclusion? “The support can be understood as providing passive stabilization and a simultaneous stimulating effect on the back muscles. This combination of effects promotes and thereby shortens the natural healing process.”

Prevention instead of interventionThis shortening of the process is no doubt welcome news to Ellen Basner in the occupa-tional health sector, especially where the sick leave figures are concerned. After all , many Bauerfeind products such as the LumboTrain are suitable not only for the more typical areas of use, but also as a means of providing physical support in a strenuous working envi-ronment. Here, the therapeutic aspect takes a back seat and it is health prevention, an area of ever-growing importance to businesses, that takes priority. “We also want to offer our employees in the other divisions occupational health management measures for effective prevention,” Ellen Basner states. “It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.” It’s also no mean feat , given that there are some 2,000 employees at NEW AG, which also operates regional local transport from its headquarters in Mönchengladbach. But thanks to the new energy that many of the company’s employees are now experiencing in their backs, select-ing a product to supply to each individual shouldn’t be too difficult. †

1 Bauerfeind life 2/2014: Anders, C. et al.: Prospective study of the trunk musculature under the influence of compressive lumbar supports; Bauerfeind life 2/2016: Anders, C. et al.: Prospective study of the trunk musculature under the influence of compressive lumbar supports in patients with acute lumbar back pain.

A challenging work environment: Stefan Passow inspecting an NEW bus.


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Visiting Bauerfeind’s quality partners

Bauerfeind life: What have your experiences of occupational health management been?Michael Risse: Overwhelmingly positive. As a rule, Bauerfeind handles the acquisi-tion and we provide on-site support to the businesses with our trained staff, measure-ment equipment , and materials. It’s the ideal partnership. Occupational health management is a good fit with our concept generally. We are a young, sporty team and one area is of particular importance to us: prevention! If we implement that well in the businesses, it also raises people’s awareness of us, both in the local region and further afield. Company initiatives are bringing in new customers to the medical supply retailer store. If we do a good job in a business, as in the case of NEW (see page 34), the word spreads to other companies, as well as to the employees’ friends and families.

How important is regionality to you?Michael Risse: It’s crucial. We also work locally with smaller businesses and sports associations. I’ve been the chief physiotherapist for the professional football team Borussia Mönchengladbach for a long time now. I come from Mönchengladbach and have a large network of contacts. It’s important that I let the local physicians know when I’m planning occupational health management initiatives, so that I can get them on board too.

What role can the LumboTrain play in prevention?Michael Risse: At Renovatio, this back support is always very popular with staff and customers alike. We are delighted that we can rely on Bauerfeind quality for the back. To use football jargon, it’s a bit like a home game for us when we turn up with the LumboTrain: we’re taking products that we know well to businesses that we know well. †

Michael Risse is the Managing Director of the medical supply retailer store Sanitätshaus Renovatio in Mönchengladbach, Germany. He also works with Bauerfeind as a partner for occupational health management.

“ Company initiatives are bringing in new customers”

“At Renovatio, the LumboTrain is very popular with staff and customers alike,” says Managing Director Michael Risse.

The rate of absenteeism among home care workers in Rotterdam in the Netherlands was reduced significantly through use of lumbar back supports. The 180 participants in a randomized study1 had, on average, five fewer days a year of sick leave due to low back pain. The decrease in the number of days of low back pain was ten times that: on average, the participants enjoyed 53 fewer days of

back pain over the year when they wore a support. Bauerfeind’s LumboTrain Lady lumbar support and LordoLoc back support were used in the study.

1 Pepijn D.D.M. Roelofs; Sita M.A. Bierma-Zeinstra; Mireille N.M. van Poppel; Petra Jellema; Sten P. Willemsen; Maurits W. van Tulder; Willem van Mechelen; Bart W. Koes: Lumbar Supports to Prevent Recurrent Low Back Pain among Home Care Workers, Ann Intern Med., 2007; 147: 685–692.

Study: fewer “back days” in Rotterdam


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Less back pain with LumboTrain

In the modern, digital world of work, many processes can be accomplished more easily and more effectively. But employees in the industrial sector still carry out backbreaking work, handling heavy loads on a daily basis – and workers at tire service provider Pneuhage are no exception here. The workers lift , store, roll , and fit the high-tech product – a product on which our safety on the roads depends. Large tires for trucks and tractors are particularly heavy. Alexander Wolff’s respect for the object of his work is evident in his voice. He is a technical coach and occupational safety expert at Pneuhage tire services, which operates around 90 branches in Germany. It was particularly in his occupational safety role that he was involved in an observational study with the LumboTrain back support , which was conducted at Pneuhage over a period of six weeks “during the high season for tire changes, between August and October”.

Fewer days of back painThe study was a success. Use of the muscle-activating support by 32 employees, most of them tire fitters, led to a drop in the number of “days of pain” experienced by workers with back pain from 3.9 to 2.5 days per week. At the start of the study there were four workers who reported “severe pain”, but after wearing the support for six weeks, this number had dropped to zero. And while just one worker was completely pain-free at the start of the study, this figure had risen to six employees by the end. The conclusion was that wearing the LumboTrain active support resulted in a reduction in both the intensity and frequency of the back pain experienced by the partici-pants. The employees who took part in the study, with an average age of 40, felt that their performance at work was better.

Safety first “The staff really noticed the freedom of movement that the LumboTrain allows,”

Alexander Wolff observes. “It wasn’t easy to find an aid that is both effective and also complies with occupational safety standards,” explains the occupational safety expert. “We had experience with another support , which, due to its design, didn’t allow the free rotational movement required. That can be dangerous. Free rotation of the upper body to the right or left when lifting or fitting tires is absolutely essential for us to carry out our work safely.” The study participants also rated the massage effect of the pad very highly. And, last but not least , they also appreciated the company’s thoughtfulness in providing them with the LumboTrain. “That obviously motivates people,” says Alexander Wolff – and it’s reported that the executive management of the Pneuhage Group, which has around 2,000 employees, is planning to supply more workers with the LumboTrain in future. †

One aim was to make strenuous work at tire service provider Pneuhage easier and to reduce back pain. The other aim was to set an example with the LumboTrain – for prevention, for motivation, and for employees.

Effective – and complies with occupational safety standards

Pneuhage employees busy fitting tires – with the LumboTrain providing welcome support. Technical coach Alexander Wolff.


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navy, and anthracite. The two best-selling products – VenoTrain micro and VenoTrain soft – will also be available in three ad-ditional standard colors: the pale skin tone cream, the darker skin tone amaretto, and the warm brown tone espresso. And of course, both of these stockings will also continue to be available in two fashion colors, which change annually and are released in February

New color system for the VenoTrain standard product range

“When things get too colorful , you have to show your true colors,” Swiss author Josef Imbach once observed. And the VenoTrain standard range of compression stockings will be uniting to show its true colors in future. The color range has been completely revamped and is now already available for VenoTrain look, the stocking with a gloss effect , and VenoTrain micro, the stocking with a high microfiber content for a sense of wellbeing.

Focusing on the essentials

Bauerfeind is standardizing its color range of VenoTrain compression stockings for mild to moderate vein problems in a process that will be complete by the end of 2018. VenoTrain look and VenoTrain micro are already available in the new colors. For VenoTrain soft , the true all-rounder for men and women complete with a massage effect , and VenoTrain business, the knee-

high stocking with an understated business look, the switch will be made in the coming months. VenoTrain impuls, the stocking for advanced vein problems, will also be includ-ed in the new color scheme by early 2019.

Clear systemThere will be four consistent standard colors for all five stocking types: caramel , black,

Very popular with compression stocking wearers: the VenoTrain micro in “cream”.


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Inge Willemsen, Anny Willem-sen medisch speciaalzaak, Boekel , the Netherlands.

“In my experience, older people tend to choose a lighter skin tone, whereas younger customers also enjoy wearing colorful stockings. Revamping the VenoTrain color range is a good thing. I felt it was lacking a warmer skin tone before, for example.”

“Generally speaking, customers prefer to go for brighter colors in summer and tend to opt for something a bit darker in winter. With colorful stockings it is important that they are in line with fashion. We don’t need colors that are too outlandish. We need colors that are wearable.”

Patricia van Treuren-Lauwers, eMJe B.V., Ridderkerk, the Netherlands.

Mary Springer, Mary Springer Enschede B.V., the Netherlands.

“There can’t be too many colors to choose from or the customer won’t be able to decide. I think the new standardized color concept is great. It’s fantastic that the VenoTrain impuls is also available in marine or anthracite, for example. That gives us a great selection for men.”

each year. At the moment , it is the popular Bordeaux, a bright red , and Denim, a fresh shade of blue, which are enhancing the color range.

A “refreshing makeover” for the colorsWhen it came to selecting the range of colors, the Bauerfeind development team got together with designers and marketing experts, and also asked medical retailers about their experiences and their custom-

ers’ needs. “Less is more” was one of the findings of this process. With three skin tones and four dark standard colors for the VenoTrain micro and soft , which go well with any outfit , Bauerfeind is focusing on the essentials. For the new color concept , the individual color tones were put under the microscope too. As well as seeking advice from design experts, the develop-ment team presented various shades to medical retailers, among other things, from

the Netherlands, and held detailed discus-sions with them over the “right” color. The outcome is that all colors in the VenoTrain standard range have been updated and now have a fresh new look.

Easier decision for VenoTrain customersFor the medical retailer, the standardized color concept offers a number of advantages. One is that stock-keeping will be easier. Much more importantly, however, the

Clarity for medical retailers and customers alike: this is what the color concept will look like once the implementation has been completed by late 2018/early 2019. *Current fashion colors

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The new Bauerfeind color concept – VenoTrain 2018

VenoTrain lookThe attractive stocking

STANDARD > TOUGH >

VenoTrain microThe fashionable stocking

VenoTrain softThe true all-rounder

VenoTrain businessThe masculine stocking

VenoTrain impulsThe powerful stocking

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Denim*


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“I think it’s brilliant that the Bauerfeind colors are being improved. In my opinion, the light skin tone was too pale and the caramel was too dark. I’m really looking forward to seeing the new colors!”

Nancy Faber, Hilhorst Hulpmid-delen, Soest , the Netherlands.

“I mostly make home visits and always present all the available colors. Even if the vast majority of customers choose caramel , it is still important to be able to offer a selection of colors, because in an additional pair of stockings, some people like to go for something with a bit of color.”

Marcel Eitink, FleboCare- Eitink, Enschede, the Netherlands.

clear system will mean that specialist sales staff no longer have to think about which stocking is available in which color when advising customers. And of course, a standardized color range also makes the decision easier for the customer. And there’s another plus point: in future, there will no longer be a link between the decision to opt for a particular color and the type of stocking selected. For example, both the VenoTrain look stocking with gloss effect for the early stages of vein problems and the VenoTrain soft for more pronounced vein problems will be available in understated anthracite in future. If customers have a favorite color, they can therefore stick with this color, even if they need a stocking with a higher level of compression in future. †

Interview

Graduate designer Hermann Rokitta, a specialist in product and brand esthetics from Mühlheim in Germany, acted as a mentor for the color concept development process and is fully aware of the importance of esthetics for compression stockings.

“Color reflects an attitude toward life”

Bauerfeind life: What did you find particularly challenging about developing Bauerfeind’s new color concept?Designer Rokitta: The brief was to come up with a color concept that was suitable for the purpose, appropriate for all target groups, and had a strong sense of fashion too. What was challenging was coming up with a strategy that could combine the tricky area of fashion colors and the established colors of the Bauerfeind brand to make the color segment seem perfectly natural. I think the final selection of colors achieves this.

What is the “right” color choice based on?Designer Rokitta: Color and style are not a matter of taste and they’re not down to chance either. The right colors are the result of our attitude to life in close association with incidents from world affairs too. People’s experience of the world and attitude toward life are interpreted by trend research agencies, trend institutes, and the color management experts of the automobile, furniture, and textile industries, and this is what gives rise to new color trends for subsequent years. For example, cosmetics were an important source of inspiration for the “right” colors

for the VenoTrain compression stockings. The carefully coordinated colors associated with beauty care have been part of people’s lives, their bodies, and their skin, for thousands of years, and they have always reflected the spirit of the times.

What is the significance of color and esthetics for compression stockings?Designer Rokitta: The performance of a compression stocking obviously relates to its medical function and successful therapy, but esthetics also contribute by appealing to the emotions and boosting motivation. The leg looks healthier, more attractive and more fashionable with the compression stocking. Color plays a major part in this. †

Graduate designer Hermann Rokitta.

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Show your true colors: Bordeaux and Denim are the latest fashion colors.


BACKGROUND

Medical supply retailers need a whole host of data in order to supply their customers – e.g. address, age, gender, social security details, and health information. “Under the new General Data Protection Regulation, medical supply retailers will have to inform individuals about the data they are collecting,” explains data protection expert Dr. Michael Foth. “This obligation for transparency covers the purpose for which the data is collected and stored, as well as the issue of whether the data is being collected on a statutory basis or on the basis of a sales contract.” It must also be made transparent when the data will be deleted and who it will be forwarded to – whether this means the health insurance company, physician, care or nursing staff, or the manufacturer of orthopedic products.

Providing customers with sufficient information“Medical supply retailers must also inform individuals about their right to obtain information about their stored data at any time. Moreover, medical retailers must advise customers that they have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority for data protection if they suspect an infringement of the regulation,” Dr. Michael Foth continues. “All of these details, compiled in the form of an information sheet , should be a component of the standard sales contract with a customer. This can then be produced by the medical retailer if necessary as evidence of his compliance with the duty of information.” In accordance with the data minimization principle, only the data required for the purpose for which it is being processed may be collected. Under the terms relating to the principle of purpose, the data may only be

used for the specified purpose and it must be deleted when it is no longer required for that purpose. “Aside from normal health data, the General Data Protection Regulation now explicitly refers to biometric and genetic data, and attaches strict conditions to the processing of such data,” Dr. Michael Foth says. “Data of this kind, which is also collected by the Bodytronic 600 measurement system , must be protected in the systems against unau-thorized access. This data must also only be stored for the length of time necessary for

the purpose.” Bauerfeind already has many measures in place to protect customer data from unauthorized access. Measurement data is only ever transmitted over a secure con-nection and in an encrypted form. Moreover, an update for the measurement technology software is scheduled for early 2018, which will help with data minimization and simplify access to the information on data process-ing. Bauerfeind is therefore providing effec-tive support for medical retailers, helping them to comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation. †

EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

The EU-wide General Data Protection Regulation, which comes into force on May 25, 2018, imposes much more stringent requirements on all organizations which collect personal data. There are severe penalties for non-compliance. Dr. Michael Foth, Managing Director of IBS data protection services and consulting GmbH in Hamburg, Germany, explains what the new regulation means for medical supply retailers.

Stringent data security requirements

Dr. Michael Foth has worked in the field of data protection and IT security for more than 20 years.

Further information

Medical retailers in Germany can visit www.bauerfeind.de to obtain an information sheet about data protection for personal data for use in their business.


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“It was an extremely successful appointment , with many ‘aha’ moments,” says Carmen Nachtmann, a member of the management team at Storch und Beller & Co. GmbH, summing up Hendrik Daniel’s visit. Bauerfeind’s product display project coordinator carefully scrutinized the roughly 500 square meters of sales space in the Kaiserstraße branch in Karlsruhe last October. His aim was to help the medical supply retailer team to see their store from the customer’s perspective, in a bid to identify both strengths and weaknesses. “Sometimes an outside perspective is missing,” says Carmen Nachtmann. “His visit gave us some ideas about how we can showcase ourselves even more attractively and further enhance the sales experience for our customers. And all involving surprisingly little effort!” she reports.

“Meeting and greeting” the customerA key focus of the inspection was the entrance area on the first floor. “There was a relatively large area here that I was never entirely happy with,” says Carmen Nachtmann. “We have a spacious display

here of important over-the-counter sales items such as walking frames, and this means that the customer didn’t have an obvious path to follow.” The suggestion made by the Bauerfeind project coordinator was an instant hit. In future, a small reception desk will ensure that customers have an immediate contact point , and

New service feature for Bauerfeind quality partners

The Bauerfeind Quality Partner Program (BQP) is introducing a new service feature in 2018: an on-site analysis of the retail space that will give medical supply retailers inspiration for designing their sales zones. Storch und Beller in Karlsruhe, Germany, was the first company to try out the “view from the outside” scheme.

See your store through the customer’s eyes

customer navigation in the store, which has several levels, will be improved. “We even already had the necessary furniture,” the manager says happily. There were also some tips about another area on the first floor, an alcove directly opposite the main cash desk where custom-ers could be advised about incontinence products. “We actually thought that we’d come up with quite a good solution for that one,” Carmen Nachtmann says. “But Mr. Daniel showed us that we hadn’t taken our idea all the way through to its logical

conclusion...” He suggested that a folding screen would allow the conversation to take place in greater privacy. “A fantastic idea! He also recommended putting a small sofa against the wall , so that customers who had stood for long enough could sit down. And we have room for it.”

Successful boutique styleThe breast prosthesis department on the mezzanine level attracted praise. “When we refurbished the branch a few years ago, we made the conscious decision to go for

Carmen Nachtmann from Storch und Beller in the extremely successful breast prosthesis department.“I also thought it was great that such a huge impact could be achieved from very small changes.”

(Carmen Nachtmann)


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a boutique style. We may add a sports area here soon. Bauerfeind also showed us vari-ous possibilities for displaying products of this kind,” Carmen Nachtmann reports. After all , when it comes to over-the-counter sales, displaying products well – combined with professional advice – is an essential part of selling high-quality products at a fair price.Carmen Nachtmann is herself still taken by surprise every time she goes up to the top floor, home to the orthotics department , which includes a range of supports. “We originally had one computer here, but subsequently installed a second one. None of us had noticed that there was a back panel missing, with a jumble of cables on show for all to see.” The visit , which quite literally included a “view from the outside” also gave rise to ideas for the front of the building, store windows, and entrance area. For instance, the inspection of the store’s facade revealed that newly installed parking signs were obscuring the name “Storch und Beller” on the building. “Since our staff enter the building by the door at the back,

The on-site visit included a discussion about the display of supports. Warning: signs are obscuring the company name.

nobody had noticed,” Carmen Nachtmann explains. And there were other suggestions as well , including better lighting for the entrance area, adding the words “medical retailer” to the store window, and promoting the product portfolio there too. “These are all points which we’re going to do something about.”

Small changes, huge impactFor Storch und Beller, the visit by the Bauerfeind service partner certainly yielded results. “I particularly liked the very constructive atmosphere surrounding the inspection of our branch. Mr. Daniel was really good at taking our individual circumstances and needs into account ,” Carmen Nachtmann says. “I also thought it was great that such a huge impact could be achieved from very small changes – even just the way that boxed products are arranged.” The member of the management team is of the view that the visit will have a long-lasting impact. Based on the successful pilot visit , she would now like to take a look

at the other Storch und Beller branches – nine in total – and make improvements where necessary. “I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this service offered by the BQP program to any medical supply retailer,” says Carmen Nachtmann. †

The new product display service feature is designed to raise quality partners’ awareness of a valuable asset – their own business premises. Bauerfeind...• visits quality partners and provides

on-the-spot advice in their business premises,

• analyzes the retail space and, where appropriate, the flow of operations from the street right through to the measur-ing cubicle,

• identifies strengths and weaknesses,• offers continuous support in the areas

of product display and product portfolio.

View from the outside

There were tips for the entrance area too.


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The iconic landmark of Barcelona: Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished Sagrada Familia in the middle of the L‘Eixample district.


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45

The jewel in Catalonia’s crownA trip to Barcelona

The European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology is inviting participants to its 19th EFORT Congress in Barcelona from May 30 to June 1. This provides an excellent opportunity for a stroll through the Spanish city, which is the capital of Catalonia and boasts a special blend of art and entertainment , the new and the old.


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not necessarily one of the most beautiful , it’s worth taking a detour into the El Corte Inglés department store there – but not to shop. The department store’s restaurant on the top floor, with its large panoramic windows, offers a wonderful view over the whole of Barcelona – a view that can be enjoyed away from the crowds of tourists. On leaving the department store, a visit to the city’s Gothic Quarter is highly recommended for lovers of old town flair. A stroll through this quarter takes you along narrow twisting lanes and past the historical buildings that make up the urban landscape of the Barri Gòtic. Countless little street cafés, bars, and pubs will tempt you to take a short break.The modern district of Barcelona called “L‘Eixample” (the Catalan word for “expan-sion”) is a complete contrast to the narrow streets of the Barri Gòtic. It was in around 1850 that Barcelona began to expand beyond its city walls in a quest to create ad-ditional residential and work space. This was when urban planner, Ildefons Cerdà, came up with the striking grid pattern for L‘Eixample. He took the layouts of major American cit-ies as his inspiration. L’Eixample district is famous today for its wide streets, its square

blocks of houses with chamfered corners, and the many buildings in the art nouveau style.

Lots of GaudíNeedless to say, Barcelona is home to many of Gaudí’s works. A separate form of art nouveau – modernism – was born here in the late 19th century. Typical features of modernism include floral motifs, attractive wrought ironwork, and brightly colored ceramic decoration on building facades. As the most prominent practitioner of modernism, Antoni Gaudí created masterpieces including three of his most famous works: the Casa Batlló, the Casa Milà, and the uncompleted cathedral Sagrada Familia. These masterpieces shape the urban architecture of Barcelona more than just about anything else. Park Güell , also designed by Gaudí, is the perfect place to let your thoughts wander. The entrance to the colorful park, decorated with brightly colored ceramic tiling, is formed by two gatehouses with roofs that look like icing on a gingerbread house. A flight of steps then leads to the large terrace, a place where many visitors, musicians, and artists love to congregate. From here, you can enjoy a unique view over the city. †

Located on the Mediterranean coast in north-eastern Spain, Barcelona has to be one of the most colorful cities in the country. When people hear the name Barcelona, they immediately think of the architect Antoni Gaudí. But the city has lots more to offer too. Spain’s second-largest city is also well known for the world-famous FC Barcelona, as well as for its unique architecture, the open-mindedness of its inhabitants, and, of course, for its good food. The best starting point for a stroll through the city is the Plaça de Catalunya, the square right in the heart of Barcelona where the old city meets the new. Although the square is

A journey of discovery

City beach: Barcelona is right on the sea.

The famous Casa Batlló on the Passeig de Gràcia offers a glimpse into another world. The building was also designed by Gaudí.


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The Parc de la Ciutadella is almost certainly the greenest part of this city, which has over a million inhabitants. It is an inviting spot for some rest and relaxation. It is also perfect for long strolls, a picnic, or for taking a rowing boat out onto the small lake. Passeig de Picasso, 21, 08003 Barcelona

Parc de la Ciutadella Tibidabo

The Tibidabo – Barcelona’s local mountain on the outskirts of the city – is home to an amusement park of the same name, which has sat high above the city since 1901. As well as sporting a Ferris wheel and other similar attractions, this amusement park, which is full of nostalgic charm, also offers a fantastic view over Barcelona and the sea. Plaça Tibidabo, 3–4, 08035 Barcelona, www.tibidabo.cat

A perfect viewAn oasis of green

Museu Nacional d’Art Catalunya

A visit to Camp Nou, Europe’s largest football stadium, is a must for all foot-ball fans. A stadium tour not only provides insight into match operations at FC Barcelona, but also lets you take a peek behind the scenes, taking in the football stars’ changing rooms, the players’ tunnel , and the pressroom. C. d‘ Aristides Maillol , 12, 08028 Barcelona, www.fcbarcelona.com/tour/

The Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) is housed in the Palau Nacional , a Neo-Baroque palace. There’s plenty to admire, since this is the largest collection of Catalan art from the 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century. From paintings to sculptures, there really is something for everyone. Palau Nacional , Parc de Montjuïc, s/n, 08038 Barcelona, www.museunacional.cat/en

Be wowed by art

Camp NouFootball magic

Mercat de la Boqueria

Tourists and locals alike visit the famous market , Mercat de la Boqueria, to buy fresh, regional produce of all kinds. Many of the market stalls of-fer visitors the chance to sample Catalan specialties there and then, with everything on offer from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat products. La Rambla, 91, 08001 Barcelona

Shopping


Addresses at a glanceWith numerous subsidiaries and distributors around the world, Bauerfeind has a strong global presence. It employs modern logistics solutions to ensure that its high-quality products, which are manufactured exclusively in Germany, always reach its trading partners quickly. In total , around 2,000 employees worldwide work for the success of the company and with patient well-being in mind. †

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: [email protected]

Service hotline: for international inquiries, please contact Phone: +49 (0) 36628 661 660 Fax: +49 (0) 36628 661 699

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CONTACT


UNITED ARAB EMIRATESBauerfeind 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 E-Mail: [email protected]

SINGAPOREBauerfeind Singapore Pte Ltd.Blk 41 Cambridge Road #01-21SINGAPORE 210041Phone: +65 6396 3497Fax: +65 6295 5062E-Mail: [email protected]

Bauerfeind USA, Inc.1230 Peachtree St NESuite 1000ATLANTA, GA 30309 Phone: +1 800 423 3405Phone: +1 404 201 7800 Fax: +1 404 201 7839E-Mail: [email protected]

BELGIUMBauerfeind Benelux B.V. Waarderveldweg 1 2031 BK HAARLEM Phone: +32 (0) 2 527 40 60 Fax: +32 (0) 2 792 53 45 E-Mail: [email protected] www.bauerfeind.be

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINABauerfeind d.o.o.Meše Selmovića 1971000 SARAJEVO Phone: +387 (0) 33 710 100Fax: +387 (0) 33 619 422Email: [email protected]

FRANCEBauerfeind France S.A.R.L.B.P. 5025895957 ROISSY CDG CEDEX Phone: +33 (0) 1 4863 28 96Fax: +33 (0) 1 4863 29 63E-Mail: [email protected]

ITALYBauerfeind AGFiliale ItalianaPiazza Don Enrico Mapelli 7520099 SESTO SAN GIOVANNI (MI)Phone: +39 02 8977 6310Fax: +39 02 8977 5900E-Mail: [email protected]

CROATIABauerfeind d.o.o.Goleška 2010020 ZAGREBPhone: +385 (0) 1 6542 855Fax: +385 (0) 1 6542 860E-Mail: [email protected]

THE NETHERLANDSBauerfeind Benelux B.V. Waarderveldweg 1 2031 BK HAARLEM Phone: +31 (0) 23 531 94 27 Fax: +31 (0) 23 532 19 70 E-Mail: [email protected] www.bauerfeind.nl

NORDICBauerfeind Nordic ABKungsholmstorg 811221 STOCKHOLMPhone: +46 (0) 774 100 020Fax: +46 (0) 774 100 021E-Mail: [email protected]

AUSTRIABauerfeind Ges.m.b.H.Hainburger Straße 331030 WIENPhone: +43 (0) 800 4430 130Fax: +43 (0) 800 4430 131E-Mail: [email protected]

REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIABauerfeind Dooel Skopje50 Divizija 24 a1000 SKOPJEPhone: +389 (0) 2 3179 002Fax: +389 (0) 2 3179 004E-Mail: [email protected]

SWITZERLANDBauerfeind AG Vorderi Böde 5 5452 OBERROHRDORF Phone: +41 (0) 56 485 82 42 Fax: +41 (0) 56 485 82 59 E-Mail: [email protected]

SERBIABauerfeind d.o.o.102 Omladinskih brigada 11070 NOVI BEOGRADPhone: +381 (0) 11 2287 050Fax: +381 (0) 11 2287 052E-Mail: [email protected]

SLOVENIABauerfeind d.o.o.Dolenjska cesta 242 b 1000 LJUBLJANAPhone:+386 (0)1 4272 941Fax: +386 (0)1 4272 951E-Mail: [email protected]

SPAINBauerfeind Ibérica, S.A.Historiador Diago, 1346007 VALENCIAPhone: +34 96 385 66 33Fax: +34 96 385 66 99E-Mail: [email protected]

UNITED KINGDOMBauerfeind UK85 Tottenham Court Road LONDON W1T 4TQPhone: +44 (0) 121 446 53 53Fax: +44 (0) 797 457 54 88E-Mail: [email protected]

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Humanitarian support in the Himalayas

The Indian region Ladakh is a very mountainous and sparsely populated area. Political disputes and scarce financial resources are some of the reasons why the local population has only very limited access to medical care. Dr. Andrew Quoc Dutton, orthopedic surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital , Singapore, visited the region last year, participating in a humanitarian project supported by other pediatricians, gynecologists and orthopedic specialists. The doctor also brought along 60 GenuTrain knee supports. “Medical issues mainly included degenerative joint problems and agricultural traumas,” reports the orthopedic surgeon. “In many cases, I was able to help using the GenuTrain. It provides excellent strain relief and stabilization. The support’s material is very comfortable to wear and durable, and the GenuTrain is available in a large range of sizes.” †

Dr. Andrew Quoc Dutton

Dr. Andrew Q. Dutton taking part in the humanitarian project in Ladakh.

Vascular specialist Prof. Dr. H. A. Martino Neumann was one of the high-caliber speakers at the “Bauerfeind Bandagistendag”.

“4th Bauerfeind Bandagistendag” in the Netherlands

When Bauerfeind Benelux issued invitations to the “4th Bauerfeind Bandagistendag” which was held in Oisterwijk in the Netherlands, on September 21 and 22, 2017, more than 100

participants attended on each of the two days. “Dynamics in compression (therapy)” was not only the slogan for the event , but also the title of the opening talk by Vascular Specialist Prof. Dr. H. A. Martino Neumann (see photo). Both he and the subsequent speakers – experts from the fields of vascular medicine, dermatology, and edema therapy, including Prof. Dr. Joep Teijink, Prof. Dr. Cees Wittens, Dr. Tim Wentel , and Tim Decock (PT , PHD can.) – stressed the vital importance of close cooperation between physicians, physiotherapists, and orthotists in order to provide effective compression therapy. The practical session in the afternoon, with Dr. Lore Fias, Dr. Sophie Delalieux, and Tim Decock, among others, was also extremely “dynamic”. Specific case studies were used as a basis for discussions about the right deci-sion concerning therapy, while Bauerfeind staff demonstrated the correct way to measure for and fit the VenoTrain curaflow flat-knit pro-ducts. Participants were also given useful tips about manual lymphatic drainage and bandag-ing lymphatic patients. †

Dynamics in compression

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MEDICAL COMPRESSION STOCKINGS AND SKINCARE IN ONE

FOR DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN

magazine · 2018. 6. 27. · life magazine 2018/15 contents 3 editorial 4 imprint 6 world of...

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