The Benefits of Introducing 3D Printing Solutions in Podiatry

The 3D printing solutions in podiatry offer an innovative way to improve the efficiency of a clinic by allowing practitioners to spend more time with patients and accommodate more patients in their schedule. 3D printing, especially in podiatry, is a significant advancement for both patients and healthcare professionals.

In this blog article, we will try to understand how and why it is essential to implement 3D printing solutions in your clinic. To transition from conventional to digital methods, practitioners had to change their work methods and adapt their techniques.

Designing 3D Orthopedic Insoles

A podiatrist performs a podological and postural assessment for optimal patient care.

The design of 3D orthopedic insoles is typically done in three steps:

1. A digital impression of the patient’s foot arch using a 3D scanner. The 3D scanner is a medical device that accurately reproduces every detail of the arch. ScientiFeet uses a portable and lightweight 3D scanner, the PodoClic, which provides a precision of 0.02 mm through an infrared sensor, in addition to saving time.
2. Modeling the orthopedic insole using 3D printing technology. The modeling process designs the orthopedic insole from a digital file. The material used in 3D printing of orthopedic insoles is polyamide 12 (PA12) with powder sintering technology, SLS®, Selective Laser Sintering.
3. Delivery of the finished product to the clinic.

Advantages of the 3D Printing Process for Orthopedic Insoles

The 3D printing process of orthopedic insoles has advantages for both patients and practitioners.

For the patients

Improved therapeutic adherence

Patients will wear the insoles directly after receiving them. One of the advantages of 3D printing is the thinness of the insole (less than 1.5mm thick), allowing greater adaptability to different shoes. 3D printing also produces lighter insoles (less than 10g), which offer increased comfort and reduce the adaptation time for patients.

Reproducibility of the treatment plan

The digital file preserves the patient’s impressions, allowing the design of customized insoles adapted to different types of shoes.

Durability of the materials used

The durability of the materials used ensures that the insole retains its biomechanical characteristics for the patient, making it more effective over time.

Pedagogy

3D printing of orthopedic insoles serves as a communication tool between the practitioner and the patient. It is easier for healthcare professionals to explain the treatment plan and the modifications made to the insole to address the patient’s pathology.

Precision to within 1/10th of a millimeter of the impression to the manufacturing of the orthopedic insole.

Custom-made orthopedic insoles produced using 3D printing technology will fit the patient’s foot arch morphology better, with sustained support at every pressure point, from heel to the front of the foot.

For the practitioner

Remaining focused on the true added value of healthcare professionals: Significant time savings for diagnosis

Podiatry is one of the few healthcare professions that includes both practitioner and prosthetic functions.

A possibility of non-exclusive treatment

It is essential to consider the patient as a whole. Results may differ between practitioners. Therefore, if the podiatrist performing the assessment cannot address the problem identified, they must be able to refer their patient to a colleague who can. Healthcare professionals know their patients and the type of pathology they can treat.

Achieving repeatability

Communication between the practitioner and the patient must be maintained throughout the treatment process. It is essential to inform the patient that the pathology can evolve over time, and regular check-ups must be scheduled.

Through digital technology, healthcare professionals can offer premium insoles to promote the development of their practice.

The 3D-printed orthopedic insole is adjustable in case of trauma or evolution of the pathology. Do you want to learn more? Contact us or our experts.

The conversation with patients and prescribers

Many practitioners are still hesitant to embrace digital technology. However, the field of podiatry is undergoing a digital transition, and the use of new digital tools can generate stress.

Contrary to popular belief, it is worth noting that the learning curve for 3D printing technology in the design of orthopedic insoles is not as long as you might think.

In the face of digitalization in podiatry clinics, here are some key points to remember in conversations with patients and prescribers:

• Effective communication with patients: The practitioner must be able to explain the difference between conventional methods and 3D printing technology to the patient.
• Networking: 3D printing can be considered a major lever for revitalizing one’s network. This can have an impact on podiatrists who have been in practice for a long time and are facing increased competition.
• Consider pricing: Many practitioners calculate the cost of the insole based on the materials ordered, but the time spent designing the orthotic is not taken into account. It is therefore necessary to explain the final cost to the patient, taking into account this pricing difference compared to a conventional method.
• Differentiation: With increased competition, it is crucial to differentiate oneself within the field.

In addition to the benefits outlined above, 3D printing solutions in podiatry can also reduce waste, as only the necessary amount of material is used in the production of each insole. This makes the process environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Overall, implementing 3D printing solutions in podiatry can lead to a significant improvement in patient care and outcomes, while also streamlining the workflow for healthcare professionals. It is a promising development that is set to revolutionize the field of podiatry and beyond.

Want to learn more? Get in touch with us or our experts.