I have just seen a news article on Australian TV, which came from the US CBS network. I only caught the end bit (whilst channel surfing), but what I saw gave me a light bulb moment.
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There is a gadget called a MakerBot which is a 3D printer... meaning (from what I understand) that it can create a 3D image from a digital image/file. Being that I have been pondering on issues such as in this post (Laser Scanning vs Casting thread) I thought this could provide some answers/solutions... if not now - certainly in the future.
The CBS video doesn't appear to be released yet, however, here is a video from the makers of this affordable gizmo. You can build one yourself (from a kit) for US$750 or buy assembled for US$2500.
It uses plastic, I think the guy said ABS plastic which seems could be suitable as an orthotic material... probably more so if coupled with a desired EVA density for ILA (MLA) fill to control rigidity (which is how I usually have my orthotics).
Here is the MakerBot website... here... & it also has a reference to the CBS news item I mentioned earlier... video here. This video is more informative than the YouTube one.
This machine is making far more complex items than an orthotic shell, so surely this could be a solution. I can see so many potential benefits to this i.e. limited waste, mess, time etc. etc...
Coupled with this thingy...
... one could have greater control of their orthotics in regard to their patients & experimenting with ideas they may come across with either a patient or research.
I feel the field of Podiatry needs to regain its standing at the forefront of orthotic therapy. There have been recent discussions as to how/why we have lost this standing. I feel there are various reasons for this which I won't get into but the direction/opportunity the above technology provides will help combine our knowledge as Podiatrists (& of our patients) with the orthotics we can personally have control over.
I'm excited by this!
What do others think?
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Effect of Forefoot varus on eccentric hip torque
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Consensus-based recommendations for the prescription of foot orthoses for symptomatic flexible pes p
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Effect of Forefoot varus on eccentric hip torque
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Consensus-based recommendations for the prescription of foot orthoses for symptomatic flexible pes p
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