CASTING CONFUSION ?
• elimination of shipping costs and a faster turnaround time with electronic data transmission ;
• long-term storage of cast data without significant cost ; and
• improved accuracy and consistency of shape capture across practitioners , resulting in fewer errors .
The introduction of surface-touch wands and laser scanners allows practitioners to capture the topography of feet and limbs . Once captured in 3-D , the software allows the operator to shave and shape the model to his or her specification .
There are some restrictions to widespread adoption of this technology :
• a high initial cost ;
• a learning curve to master the software ; and
• a reluctance , or inertia , to change from traditional methods of fabrication .
However , according to Moore ’ s Law ( regarding the exponential increase in integrated circuit capacity and computational processing speed ) it is inevitable that costs will continue to fall . In addition , software upgrades will make CAD / CAM and digital-scan systems very user friendly .
Scanners are just one aspect of changing technology that will reshape the orthotic industry . Digital files are seamlessly transferred into CAD / CAM software that can modify casts and then direct carve the final device . I believe this technology , and other yet-to-be developed breakthroughs , will make our industry more productive , efficient and effective .
Conclusion
Using a results-oriented philosophy , evaluate the outcomes of your casts and the resulting orthotics . Then , modify
your approach accordingly . Regardless of the method employed , the goal is to deliver the best possible custom orthotics for your patients ’ foot conditions . Satisfied clients generate referrals and repeat business – and that is always valuable feedback worth working for . ■
* This article was originally printed in Current Pedorthics , Volume 42 , Issue 1 .
Séamus Kennedy has been a Certified Pedorthist since 1996 . He studied Mechanical Engineering at University College Dublin and worked in industry for seven years . He and his brother bought Hersco Ortho Labs in 1995 . They have developed it into a central fabrication company that makes custom foot orthotics , custom molded shoes , AFOs and ankle gauntlets .
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