A secure fit

He was looking for something that fitted better when the wearer sat down, and he provided one of the initial sparks for developing the Spinova Osteo. Dr. med. Peter Schorr, orthopedist and osteologist from Vitarium Therapiecentrum in Dillingen, Saarland, Germany, can see proof of the viability of this idea on a daily basis.

Bauerfeind life: A few years ago, there was an influential meeting at a physicians’ conference of orthopedics and trauma surgery. What happened?

Dr. Schorr: I still remember the exact moment. Companies were showing their back orthoses at the accompanying industry exhibition. They didn’t convince me. I was familiar with the problem of slipping orthoses from my daily work: a product didn’t actually exist that didn’t slip upwards, sometimes up to the back of the head, when the wearer sat down. The back part of the orthoses was often very rigid and had a relatively high-reaching lumbar support. Fixation straps were also still used in the thoracic spine and shoulder area at that time. When I eventually arrived at the Bauerfeind stand, we had an animated conversation.

Which led to a result: in 2017, a new orthosis was put on the market.

Dr. Schorr: The Spinova Osteo does not have a high-reaching lumbar section, but it stabilizes the pelvis via the wings of the ilium and in the SI joint area. It follows movements better, thanks to the reclinator that can be adjusted very well to the length and shape of the spine and the effective support provided by the shoulder straps. When the wearer sits down, it only slips upwards slightly.

What other qualities does an orthosis need in order to be worn by osteoporosis patients?

Dr. Schorr: Compliance with an orthosis essentially depends on whether the symptoms decrease. In patients with collapsed anterior edges of the vertebral bodies and resultant severe kyphosis, the straightening effect is also crucial , of course. At the same time, comfort plays an important role. If these factors are combined, the patient wears the orthosis, even over extended periods of time.

What do your patients say about the Spinova Osteo?

Dr. Schorr: So far, I have received only positive feedback from the patients I have treated with the Spinova Osteo. In particular, they value the fact that it is easy to put on and take off, that the orthosis is light and that it does not restrict them in their everyday life as much as they feared at first. Most of all , however, they are satisfied with the pain relief. The follow-up checks show a significant reduction of the pain score by three to four VAS points. An improvement in straightening can also be seen in the follow-up X-ray, particularly in case of collapsed ventral vertebral bodies. 

Images: Bauerfeind, Detlef Majer