{"id":165223,"date":"2022-08-06T14:49:40","date_gmt":"2022-08-06T06:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165223"},"modified":"2022-08-11T11:20:51","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T03:20:51","slug":"3d-printed-orthotics-7-most-promising-projects","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/3d-printed-orthotics-7-most-promising-projects","title":{"rendered":"3D Printed Orthotics: 7 Most Promising Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"
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3D printed orthotics is in the next stage of an often slow discipline. See how it’s reducing costs and speeding up customization worldwide.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Past Meets Future<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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3D printing has simplified the fitting process and reduced production times significantly (Source: University of Toronto)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Orthotic devices, commonly referred to as simply \u201corthotics\u201d, are wearables used for support and rehabilitation of injured body parts. They can be used for a wide range of debilitating conditions, from simple limb immobilization to full-body instability.<\/p>\n

In order for these devices to be effective, they often need to be custom-designed. And that\u2019s one of their major drawbacks: They can be extremely time-consuming to manufacture. Traditionally-made orthotics often require frequent fitting sessions, which can lead to several months of waiting before the user equips the final piece.<\/p>\n

3D Printing Increasing Accessibility<\/h3>\n

Thanks to its affordability and ease of use, 3D printing has simplified the entire fitting and customization process. 3D scanning and modeling significantly reduces the amount of time required to produce and deliver orthotics to patients.<\/p>\n

In the following, we\u2019ll take a look at some of the most promising existing and developing 3D printed orthotics projects.<\/p>\n

If you already have a custom orthotic designed and ready but don\u2019t have access to suitable 3D printing equipment, consider using a 3D printing service. Through\u00a0Craftcloud by All3DP<\/a>, you\u2019ll have access to a wide range of materials and finishes. You\u2019re also guaranteed to benefit from professional production and expertise.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s get to those revolutionary 3D prints!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

3D Print Orthotics, Braces & Casts \u2013 A Practitioner\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/div>\n
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Insoles<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Materialise produces personalized insoles on a large scale using SLS (Source: Materialise)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Perhaps the most well-known type of orthotic device is the shoe insole, which is mostly used to non-surgically correct foot and ankle problems. Patients (and people who care about their feet) benefit greatly from customization since these orthotics can be matched to the specific issues they have, and they match each individual foot perfectly.<\/p>\n

RS Print<\/h3>\n

RSscan is a company that\u2019s been involved in the development of insoles for some time. Now, thanks to their innovations and partnership with the 3D printing service company Materialise, they\u2019re producing personalized insoles on a large scale using\u00a0selective laser sintering (SLS)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The joint venture,\u00a0RS Print<\/a>,\u00a0started in April 2014 and\u00a0has been so successful that athletes have worn and\u00a0even\u00a0won triathlons<\/a>\u00a0with the help of its 3D printed insoles.<\/p>\n

HP FitStation<\/h3>\n

HP first announced its foray into the 3D printed orthotic industry in 2017 with the creation of\u00a0FitStation<\/a>. The platform 3D scans the consumer\u2019s feet, measures foot pressure and analyzes gait. With the resulting data, HP is able to create a\u00a0fully-customized insole<\/a>, which is printed using its\u00a0Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)<\/a>\u00a0technology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Braces and Supports for Disabled Children<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Andiamo utilizes 3D scanning and printing to deliver an effective device within two weeks (Source: Health Europa)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Orthotic devices are designed for people of all ages and walks of life. The goal of this next company is to produce solutions for disabled children, including body braces and leg supports.<\/p>\n

Andiamo<\/h3>\n

This is a particularly moving story that began in 2003 with Diamo Parvez, who suffered from cerebral palsy. As with most patients with this disease, he required orthotic braces to support his body.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the production of such devices usually requires uncomfortable procedures like plaster casting. In some cases, this can take at least six months to perfect.<\/p>\n

For growing children, it also requires frequent refittings, which meant regular trips to the hospital for Diamo. Unfortunately, he passed away because of complications from the condition when he was just nine years old in 2012.<\/p>\n

Because of their experience, Diamo\u2019s parents, Naveed and Samiya Pervez, established\u00a0Andiamo<\/a>\u00a0in 2014, following a successful crowdfunding campaign. They utilize 3D scanning and printing to deliver orthotics within two weeks of receiving orders. The service is live in the UK and parts of Europe.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/vimeo.com\/178003131<\/p>\n

Knee Brace<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The BioNeek has a shock absorber and an adjustable hinge to facilitate rehabilitation (Source: Intamsys)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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The knee is one of the most complex joints in the human body. It\u2019s responsible for holding one\u2019s body weight and endures high pressures during walking and running. This next amazing innovation came about to enhance the performance of the user\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n

BioNeek<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0BioNeek knee brace<\/a>\u00a0uses a damper to absorb shock and reduce impact, protecting the knee while improving stability and mobility. An adjustable hinge prevents the joint from hyperextension, relieving pain for chronic patients and facilitating rehabilitation. Each user has a custom-sized BioNeek brace with foam padding inside for improved comfort.<\/p>\n

The bionic exoskeleton brace is manufactured by\u00a0Intamsys<\/a>\u00a0with a special engineering polymer:\u00a0PEEK<\/a>, which is a great material for withstanding high temperatures and chemicals. It\u2019s also very strong, which makes it ideal for mechanical projects.<\/p>\n

Chinese company Sichuan Ju An Hui is responsible for the design. They developed the advanced medical device to assist people and relieve symptoms associated with knee disabilities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Remolding Helmet<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The baby’s head is gently corrected as it grows (Source: Technology in Motion)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A lot of newborns experience a deformation or flatness of the skull caused by laying on one side for prolonged periods of time. The technical name for this condition is\u00a0plagiocephaly<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the most effective\u00a0way to correct plagiocephaly is\u00a0via orthotic treatment. By wearing a custom-fitted helmet, the child\u2019s head is\u00a0gently corrected as it grows\u00a0during a relatively short period of time.<\/p>\n

Conventionally, these devices are made using a costly and time-consuming process that involves polymer foam milling. But this next European firm has developed an innovative solution.<\/p>\n

Talee<\/h3>\n

Talee<\/a>\u00a0is a cranial remolding orthotic device from Invent Medical, and it works likes this: First, the baby\u2019s head is 3D scanned and a digital model is customized to address the patient\u2019s specific needs. Then, the helmet is manufactured via HP\u2019s MJF technology, and that\u2019s it!<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, it may be a while before this is globally available. According to their website, the Talee is not yet an FDA-cleared product and isn\u2019t currently available in the US.<\/p>\n

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Limb Immobilization Device<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Xkelet immobilization devices replace the uncomfortable plaster cast, even allowing patients to shower with it (Source: Machine Design)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Custom-made orthotic devices for immobilizing limbs can replace itchy, uncomfortable, and sometimes smelly plaster casts that are commonly used for post-traumatic and therapeutic recovery. The only downside is that you can\u2019t get all your buddies to sign their names on it.<\/p>\n

Xkim<\/h3>\n

Spanish company\u00a0Xkelet<\/a>\u00a0was founded in response to frustration with the traditional bone-healing process. Specifically, Jordi Tura, one of the founders, broke his leg and quickly became fed up with the discomfort of a cast.<\/p>\n

When worn, the company\u2019s device, Xkim, doesn\u2019t scratch or irritate the skin. The lightweight design also eliminates the need for removal before showering or during doctor\u2019s visits.<\/p>\n

Alongside the orthotic, Xkelet has developed an iPad scanning app for doctors. After mapping a patient\u2019s limb, the app facilities orthotic customization to ensure a perfect fit. The final design is then sent directly to a 3D printing service, which produces and delivers the immobilization device.<\/p>\n