SPOTLIGHT : ARIZE
Made to Measure
Arize is changing the future of custom orthotics with 3D printing technology .
ORTHOTICS ARE NOT a modern invention — as early as 1200 BCE , devices to increase mobility were crafted from materials like wood and leather . Fast-forward a few millennia and the use of plastics , rubber , and metal alloys allowed orthotics to become lighter , more durable , and more comfortable .
While digital technologies like glass-plate scanning and computerized milling have been around for nearly 30 years , they ’ ve also left podiatry clinics with elaborate processes to tackle . Today a game-changing , more streamlined system is at hand with HP ’ s Arize Orthotic Solution and HP 3D printing technology .
Podiatrists can prescribe orthoses through the touch of a button thanks to a proprietary algorithm and an easy-to-use clinical application . In less than two minutes , clinicians are able to capture ultra-precise digital scans with a 3D scanner . With this intuitive interface , highly accurate 3D scanning solution , and 3D visualization tools , podiatrists can preview their designs before submission and demonstrate the benefits to their patients . The clinician is able to prescribe custom orthoses with familiar orthotic styles and industry standard modifications , as well as request specialized modifications only possible with 3D printing . Plus , Arize offers a flat-rate pricing model .
“ We ’ re hearing more about 3D printing and the profound impact it could have on our industry ,” says Jason Riffle , president of W . T . Hinnant Orthotics and Prosthetics in North Carolina . “ We looked for an easy way to incorporate it into our workflow without making a big , risky investment and without a huge learning curve . Arize did just that .” — Sarah Fones
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HP INC .
HP / INNOVATION / SPRING 2022 20