“Even more effective action on ligaments”

Two pioneering studies have shown that the SacroLoc back orthosis exerts biomechanical and neuromuscular effects on the sacroiliac joint1,2. Study director Dr. rer. nat. Freddy Sichting was surprised to discover that the biomechanical effects of the new SacroLoc had been confirmed in a subsequent study – and even went beyond those initially anticipated. But it’s not just the raw data that has excited this human locomotion scientist from TU Chemnitz.

Bauerfeind life: While the first study focused on the biomechanical effect of the SacroLoc, the second study was interested in the therapeutic issues. What did you want to find out with the new SacroLoc?
Dr. Sichting: Our aim was to confirm the results from the first modelling study using a new model. We created the first pelvic model , with all its SI-joint-related data, using the finite element method based on the anatomical computer tomography data for a healthy young man. At the time, we were all pleasantly surprised by the results (see Bauerfeind life 2/15). This time, to further increase the scientific standing of the new SacroLoc, we used new model data. The outcome: The results from the first two studies were reproducible with the new orthosis.

Does this mean that your findings about the effects of the original and new generation of the SacroLoc on the SI joints are able to stand up to scrutiny?
Dr. Sichting: If we trust the models. They map the anatomical relationships in the SI joints, as well as in the local ligament structures, in a highly representative fashion based on everything we currently know. As it happens, the SacroLoc studies have added to this knowledge substantially.

Have you discovered anything new?
Dr. Sichting: We were able to demonstrate that , in direct comparison with the previous model , the new SacroLoc has reduced loading on the ligaments by around 25 % when it is worn. To verify this, we calculated and analyzed the strain on the two most important ligaments in the SI joint region, the sacrotuberous and sacrospinous ligaments. The action on the ligaments therefore appears to be even more effective with the new SacroLoc.

Did this surprise you?
Dr. Sichting: To be honest , it did. I was initially skeptical when I saw the new SacroLoc. It was so lightweight , but could it deliver the required effect? We had the good results with the first SacroLoc in the backs of our minds.
As a human locomotion scientist – a discipline which includes elements of engineering and materials science – seeing the results gave me a great deal of respect for the SacroLoc.

How did you find working with the physicians?
Dr. Sichting: It was actually one of my most productive experiences ever. Being able to see how SI joint patients could benefit from our interdisciplinary work was highly rewarding.

1: Sichting F, Rossol J, Soisson O, Klima S, Milani T , Hammer N. Pain Physician. 2014 Jan-Feb; 17(1):43-51. Pelvic belt effects on sacroiliac joint ligaments: a computational approach to understand therapeutic effects of pelvic belts.
2: Soisson O, Lube J, Germano A, Hammer K-H, Josten C, Sichting F, Winkler D, Milani T , Hammer N. PLOS ONE10.1371/journal.pone.0116739. published 17 Mar 2015. Pelvic belt effects on pelvic morphometry, muscle activity and body balance in patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction. [www.plosone.org].

Images: Bauerfeind, privat