Circumference measurements border between standard sizes. What is the most ideal solution?Updated 2 years ago
Bauerfeind have developed a unique sizing regime for its product portfolio that is built on the unique circumference measurements of each patient and designed to offer individualised solutions for maximum effectiveness and usability. This numbered sizing system ensures that a tailored solution is available for each patient that guarantees comfort, and a personalised and anatomically secure fit to promote compliance and a positive ergonomic experience. Each standard size is defined by a range of circumference measurements at unique points along the joint. In unique instances, a patient’s circumference is on the marginal end of a range and may therefore border between adjacent sizes. Further, patient circumferences at individual measurement points may fall into different standard sizes on the official sizing guides, producing challenges in the selection of an ideal size.
Selecting the most adequate standard size is determined through a decision-making process that considers the unique needs of the patient, patient age and fitness capabilities, clinical presentation, and daily performance goals.
For Compression-Based Supports and Braces
Individual tolerance to compression, athletic and performance capabilities, inherent compression level of the brace/support, and context of use of the product are key factors that determine selection of an appropriate size. As a general principle, Bauerfeind often recommend selection of the lower size for compression-based supports and braces to better guarantee an anatomical fit with maximisation of the physiological benefits conferred by the compressive properties of the product, and to reduce the probability of brace migration that may impair comfort and usability. Diverse previous patient feedback and experience has supported a generalised recommendation that for younger and more athletic patients, the lower of two potential sizes provides improved fit and clinical outcomes that aligns with the greater tolerance to compression among this client cohort. In contrast, for elderly patients often demonstrate markedly reduced responsiveness to compression, and thus the higher of two potential sizes should be considered to ensure long-term comfort and compliance, and guarantee a positive user-friendly experience. Overall, these generalised recommendations have been established through strict consultation with patients and clinicians driven by patient feedback, collation of experiential data, and consideration of clinical recommendations and inherent physiological variabilities between age groups. Hence, Bauerfeind strongly recommend balancing these recommendations with an individualised decision-making process that considers the unique needs of each patient.
For Rigid Braces and Orthoses
For serious braces and orthoses, including the SecuTec OA, SecuTec Genu, and SofTec Genu, selection of an appropriate standard size for a patient with marginal dimensions depends majorly on current tissue composition, as well as anticipated changes in muscle and soft tissue volumes as patients manage severe degenerative conditions and progress through rehabilitation and recovery programs. This is particularly evident in the post-operative context, where the use of rigid bracing for initial periods of immobilisation, and gradual restoration of range of motion, will alter muscle volume over time and therefore shift anatomical dimensions. Therefore, selecting between adjacent sizes should ideally involve proactive thinking of patient outcomes in a long-term context to ensure the rigid brace or orthosis retains fit, usability, and clinical efficacy over time.
Bauerfeind orthoses, including the SecuTec Genu and SecuTec OA, can also be partially customised to accommodate patients with circumference measurements spanning multiple sizes. The SecuTec Genu and SecuTec OA orthoses are detachable at the joint hinges to enable separation of the proximal (thigh) frame from the distal (calf) frame. This provides the opportunity to generate a partially customised brace composed from proximal and distal frames of different sizes, allowing us to achieve an optimum sizing combination that is effectively tailored to the unique thigh and calf anatomical measurements of the patient.
Please email [email protected] to seek any additional support on determining an ideal size for your patient, and/or to arrange a partially customised bracing solution. Where possible, Bauerfeind recommends that patients try on adjacent sizes of the product to determine through an empirical experience an apt standard size.