Response to Foot Scanner Question

Response to Foot Scanner Question

Allison Cerutti

3/23/2017

Thank you to everyone who emailed or called in responses to my question.

Here was my original question:

*My company is looking into purchasing a foot scanner for the office. *

*We would like the scanner as a tool for evaluation of patients for foot
orthotics, primarily to accomplish these main goals:*

*1. Enhance the education of the patient and orthotist on pressure
distribution, arch height, etc.*

*...in order to...*

*2. Better inform the patient on the benefits and function of foot
orthotics *

*AND to...*

*3. Direct material selection/design and fabrication of the orthotics*

*We currently fabricate foot orthotics in-house but are open to using
central fab if associated with the scanner and if their products are
reasonably priced and high quality.*

*Please share any insights you may have on using scanners, what brand/type
with which you have had successes (or failures), and the various
capabilities of your scanner. Also if you fabricate in house or central fab
through the scanner.*

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Based on the responses I received, I compiled a list of scanner options and
some information below each.

My question asked about a scanner that would primarily be used as a tool
for *evaluation and justification* of foot orthotic needs to the
patient/payor and for *design indications* for the orthotist.

In my opinion the first two options--*Phits and TOG GaitScan*--most closely
align with my goals for a scanner.

Here is the list:

*1. **Phits RS Scan system*

a. Dynamic scanner system

b. Details provided by one responder:

“Pros:

 1) The Phits system is a dynamic system that you walk your patients
across. It comes with a one meter or one and half meter scanner . This
scanner allows you to take the dynamic gait analysis and transfer that data
into a design which produces the foot orthotic. Most systems on the market
today are static.



2) You can view the feet in a static view as well as 2D and 3D. The
2D system allows you to see the actual gait of how the patient walks. It
will also allow you to break the foot up into zones. Here you can see the
 force being applied to the feet in a bar graph and the sections of the
foot individually. This graph is set-up in Newton's (which shows
force) and the time line is in milliseconds which allows you to see the
timing of when these forces are occurring.



3) When designing the orthotic the corrections that are made are
intrinsic. This means you can place the correction intrinsically into the
material up to 27 degrees and the material will flex in the degree of angle
that is programmed. This keeps the orthotic quite thin and not as
bulky. You can also add build ups such as met pads and met bars up to 3
degrees. Posting in the fore foot is an option medial/lateral as well as
posting the heel up to 7 degrees medial or 5 degrees lateral.



4) The system is mobile. You can carry this system into a clinic or a
practice and evaluate patients without difficulty. Patients can be
evaluated either running or walking.



5) The one challenge many people have is fabricating thinner orthotics for
dress shoes, skates or soccer shoes. This system will allow you to design
narrow versions of orthotics with the same amount of correction mentioned
previously.



There are several more highlights to this system, but this is a start.

Cons:

1) Patients need to be ambulatory and create a consistent gait pattern to
be able to walk across the scanner.



2) The system will allow you flexibility in the material, but will not
make depressions or off load areas of the foot within the shell.



3) Space is needed to be able to evaluate your patients in the office
setting. This cannot be done in a small room or exam room. The scanner
needs approx. 25 feet of space to allow the patient to walk back and forth
across the scanner. A hall way works well or a gym area.

*2. **The Orthotic Group (TOG) GaitScan*

a. Static/dynamic scanner

b. Data from static standing and dynamic stepping, e.g. pressure and
weight distribution

c. Ability to order custom orthotics from TOG based on scanning data

*3. **Foot Management SharpShape scanner*

a. Various types of CAD/CAM scanner systems

*4. **Amfit system*

a. Various systems, including CAD/CAM, scanner for foam impression
boxes, etc.

*5. **Steampunk Bionics scanner system*

a. Various systems, including 3D, CAD/CAM, etc.


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Please let me know if you have any questions or would like more information
on the various systems.

Allie Cerutti
<Email Address Redacted>
706-324-3667