ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSIS MADE BY 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

Phan Hoàng Chiêu Lê, Thị Hạ Quyên Lê, Hoài Nam Nguyễn

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Abstract

Background: The ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) plays a crucial role in rehabilitation for patients. However, the traditional manufacturing methods for AFO braces in Vietnam currently does not meet the requirements for quality and time for treatment . The manual process is complex and heavily reliant on the skills of orthopeadic technician, resulting in products that often require multiple adjustments and are not suitable for patients. AFO made by 3D Printing Technology procedure: This article describes the process of manufacturing AFO braces using 3D printing technology, which includes gathering patient anatomical data through 3D scanning, creating a digital model of the patient's anatomy, designing the AFO brace on a computer, 3D printing the brace, and quality testing. The production time has been reduced to 12 hours, and each brace is customized to fit individual patients. Results: The 3D-printed AFO  have been tested on 30 patients and have improved their mobility. Patients have reported that the product is comfortable, properly sized, and does not cause discomfort or negative effects on their skin. Conclusion: The combination of 3D scanning and 3D design in the AFO manufacturing process has overcome the limitations of traditional methods. This improvement has led to reduced production time, higher product quality, and increased comfort for patients, while also paving the way for further technological advancements in this field.

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References

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