Moulded insole fabrication for foot deformities using computer tomographic images

The neglect of the early symptoms for the primary impairments like the callous and the corns can lead to the secondary impairments in patients affected by Leprosy. The secondary impairments further when neglected can lead to the limitations in activities of daily living leading to further stigma, both self and perceived. The anaesthetic feet of the leprosy affected many times develop plantar ulcers if it is not properly taken care. Providing customized orthosis helps in the prevention of these ulcers. The Computed Tomography (CT) images of leprosy affected patient´s foot with deformities were used to develop these orthosis. The CT images were 3 dimensionally reconstructed and then imported into the Computer aided designing (CAD) Software for designing. Boolean operations between the 3D foot model and a solid rectangular surface designed in the CAD were carried out to create a customized foot orthosis. The computerized orthotic fabrication method followed in this study was found to be more reliable and efficient in acquiring the exact anatomical contours of the feet for orthotic fabrication. The unique technique followed in the fabrication of orthosis would help to reduce the more cumbersome procedures of moulding and casting the foot to take measurements.