The Science Behind Bauerfeind Braces

The science behind a Bauerfeind brace applies the principles of biomechanics to product research, design and modern orthotic fabrication.  Bauerfeind’s thoracic / thoracolumbar, lumbar, and lumbosacral brace designs consider anatomical nuances, such as the difference between the thoracic and lumbar transitional levels.

The thoracic spine is naturally stiff and more stable due to the rib cage and longer spinous processes.  Regions prone to injury are transitional levels where the thoracic spine joins at the cervical and lumbar levels. (1)  In particular, T11-L2 joins a long stiff structure with larger vertebrae that absorb and distribute much of the body’s weight. 

Many principles of spinal biomechanics translate to modern orthotic design.

• Neutral spine: coronal, sagittal and axial balance
• Direction of motion: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation
• Effects of external forces such as gravity
• Internal forces such as muscles and ligaments
• Effects of force on spinal structures.  Such as: bending creates compression and tension, creep elongates ligaments, flexion or extension creates distraction, effects of static posture, contact, or shear (i.e. spondylolisthesis).
  

Bauerfeind’s orthotic fabrication assures a high level of comfort, accelerates healing, fits well, and stays secure.

Reference

1. Schnuerer AP, Gallego J.  Basic Anatomy and Pathology of the Spine.  2nd Ed.  Medtronic Sofamor Danek, 2003.