Article

Three-dimensional laser scanning has been used for patient
measurement for cranial helmets and spinal braces. Ankle-foot orthoses are
commonly prescribed for children with orthopaedic conditions.
This trial sought
to compare ankle-foot orthoses produced by laser scanning or traditional plaster
casting. OBJECTIVES: Assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of using
laser scanning to produce ankle-foot orthoses.
STUDY DESIGN: Randomised
controlled trial with blinding of orthotists and patients to the construction
technique used. METHODS: A randomised double-blind trial comparing fabrication of
ankle-foot orthoses from casts or laser scans. RESULTS: The time spent in the
rectification and moulding of scanned ankle-foot orthoses was around 50% less
than for cast ankle-foot orthoses. A non-significant increase of 9 days was seen
in the time to delivery to the patient for laser scanning with computer-aided
design and computer-aided manufacturing. There was a higher incidence of problems
with the scan-based ankle-foot orthoses at delivery of the device, but no
difference in how long the ankle-foot orthoses lasted. Costs associated with
laser scanning were not significantly different from traditional methods of
ankle-foot orthosis manufacture. CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional casting
techniques, laser scan-based ankle-foot orthosis manufacture did not
significantly improve either the quality of the final product or the time to
delivery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are a common requirement
for chronic neurological conditions during childhood. Improved efficiency of
provision of AFOs would benefit children and families by reducing the delay in
provision of devices and would benefit the health service by making best use of
valuable orthotist time.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS