Clinical trial of a computer-aided system for orthopaedic shoe upper design

Abstract

A trial has been conducted to produce the uppers for orthopaedic shoes using an existing commercial computer-aided design system. The aims of the trial were to confirm that a CAD system developed for the volume shoe trade (Shoemaster from Clarks Shoes) could be used for the upper design of orthopaedic shoes and to assess the contribution of professional shoe design on cosmesis and acceptability of these shoes. A small number of adult diabetic patients and children with foot deformities were selected, all of who had previously been prescribed and issued with special shoes. The existing lasts for these patients were digitised, and new styles developed on the CAD system over a 3D image of the last. Pattern pieces were cut automatically and the uppers closed. Lasting was done as normal at the two collaborating orthopaedic companies and the shoes supplied to the patients. The CAD system proved successful in coping with orthopaedic last shapes and shoe requirements. Professional design produced fashionable and cosmetically-pleasing styles within the constraints imposed by the underlying medical conditions.

Shoes Customization Design Tools for the “Diabetic Foot”

“…They are mainly oriented to manage manufacturing processes such as upper cut, shoe sole molding, etc…, or to marketing purposes, thanks to 3D rendering tools. Trials to design parts limited to the uppers for orthopaedic shoes using existing CAD systems have been conducted from early '90 with successful results also for the "diabetic foot" [3]. However, base last volumes were traditionally obtained and digitized.…”

Psychological issues in prosthetic and orthotic practice

“…A recent article by Kuyper et al (2001) focusing on the prosthetic management of children with upper limb deficiencies highlights the importance of age at first fitting as a factor in rejection/acceptance of prostheses. Four articles published over a fifteen-year period afford very brief reference to developmental issues: Paul (1977); Narang and Jape (1982); Setoguchi (1991); and Lord and Foulston (1991). Parents' reactions to their child's disability, and the importance of counselling parents to develop realistic goals with regard to their child's future development form the basis of a paper by Setoguchi (1991), and are also briefly addressed by Narang and Jape (1982) and Boonstra et al (2000).…”

Some aspects of modern orthotics

“…These trials, funded by the EC, have enrolled the assistance of one of the largest shoe manufacturers in the UK (Clarks Shoes). The ultimate aim of such a scheme is to automate the entire design process from live shape scanning of the foot through to production of the last, the shoe upper and any FO required (Lord and Foulston 1991). Currently this is a labour intensive process and not cost effective hut the potential for the whole scheme is substantial.…”