The application of generic CAD/CAM systems for the design and manufacture of foot orthoses

Abstract

For many years, foot orthoses have been manufactured using traditional techniques over plaster of Paris casts or foam impressions. Other types of existing orthoses include pre-fabricated and heat-molded orthoses. More advanced methods of manufacturing orthoses have been developed using Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. However, this type of technology is still presently expensive and thus not available to the majority of practitioners to consider as part of their routine clinical service, notwithstanding the fact that these systems offer various advantages over traditional methods. This paper provides a new methodological approach towards integrating various readily-available technologies into a foot orthoses design and manufacturing system at a cost that is attainable by the majority of practitioners. This should encourage the further utilization of this technology, from which both practitioner services and patients could possibly benefit.