In the last decade, 3D scanning became a tool popularized in orthotics and prosthetics. However, many understandable reasons are still mentioned for not using 3D scanner:
- “I don’t know exactly how it works.”
- “It’s too complicated. I am not comfortable with the technology.”
- “It’s easier and faster to keep the method I’ve mastered.”
- “I don’t think that its accurate enough.”
- “It’s too expensive.”
Indeed, 3D scanning is an appealing solution, but it can seem a big obstacle when not being used to technology or when not wanting to increase operational costs. Below are detailed the benefits of 3D scanning in different areas of orthotics/prosthetics and we have highlighted the advantages in the context of social distancing.
Step | Part of the step | Traditional method | 3D scanning |
Capture | Time | ≈30 min | ≈3 min |
Proximity | Need to touch the patient | No need to touch: distance >0.3m | |
Material | Foam Box Plaster of Paris Caliper/measuring tape | 3D scanner + software | |
Cleaness | Plaster is messy, need to clean the room | No dirt | |
Accuracy/errors | According to clinician experience | Accuracy < 3mm Error easy to see in preview of the 3D model | |
Post-process | Measurement time | 1h | 10 min or less |
Design | Uneasy to use in CAD/CAM software | Easy to use in CAD/CAM software | |
Design time | 3h | 30 min or less | |
Accuracy/errors | Depending on clinicians Errors can be added to errors from capture | Depending on capture No error addition (more uniformity) | |
Production | Shipping to | Email/cloud | |
Shipping time | 2-3 days | 5 seconds |
Traditional method | 3D scanning | |
Customers | Normal feeling Normal traffic | Impressed with technology More clients in 1 day |
Material | Initial: No cost Each patient: $$ | Initial: Medium (iPhone or iPad+Structure Sensor needed) Each patient: $ |
Post-Processing | In clinics | In clinics or Remote |
Storage | Room/warehouse | Computer/server |
Central of fabrication | Local area | Wherever you want |
Supplier | Easier to have only one supplier | Easy to have multiple suppliers |
Treatment | Unable to monitor evolution/improvement Uneasy to redo the same exact product | Able to monitor evolution/improvement Easy to redo the same product |
Insurance/Medicare/etc… | Not much data and information Limited fully custom product = Less reimbursement | Give accurate data and more information Better for fully custom product = Best reimbursement |
Ecology | Lot of waste | Free of waste |
Shipping | Casts/Foam box can be damaged | No damage to digital files |
Now that social distancing is part of our life, considering a digital solution to replace Plaster of Paris can be a good solution to this situation. Are you asking yourself what are the advantages of choosing TechMed 3D for your digital solution?
At Techmed 3D, we offer different solutions for you to find one that fits your needs. We have generic solutions that can be used right away, as well as customized ones that allow you to have something tailored to your needs. Moreover, we offer hands-on training, which allows you to get used to using our technology. Finally, all our solutions can be used with a “Pay per Scan” license model. Meaning that you will only be paying when using it, no need for you to have fixed recurring costs every month.