Written by: Larry Huppin, DPM
8/22/2010 3:00 PM

For the past several weeks I have been testing a new scanner in my office. So far I am impressed with the functionality of the scanner. It’s not perfect, but the manufacturer has been very receptive to our suggestions.

Scanning – also known as digital casting – soon will likely be the most common method of capturing an image of the foot to produce custom foot orthoses.

We have evaluated over a dozen scanners and I have personally tested five of the better ones. Over the next several months we will be providing unbiased reviews of these and other scanners to help you decide whether you wish to use a scanner in your office, and if so, find the best one to serve your needs.

The first thing we did was to come up with the criteria any scanner must fulfill to be considered as a replacement for casting. We came up with the following 9 criteria that the ideal 3D optical scanner should have:

1. Allows for standard neutral suspension cast technique.
2. Allows the foot to be held with no contact on the scanning unit. Pressure on the foot from the scanning unit deforms the plantar arch shape and has great potential to dorsiflex the first ray. An orthosis made from an image where the first ray is plantarflexed will act to prevent first ray plantarflexion and lead to functional hallux limitus
3. Captures plantar surface contours with plaster-like accuracy. Studies on orthotic therapy for metatarsalgia, hallux limitus, tarsal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis indicate that total contact with the arch provides better clinical outcomes. In order to conform close to the arch, the image must accurately capture the arch.
4. Captures the posterior heel to allow frontal plane balancing. The ability to balance the forefoot to the rearfoot appears to offer better potential clinical outcomes in most of the primary pathologies commonly treated with functional foot orthoses. Balancing requires that the image of the posterior heel, along with the plantar foot be captured in the image. Unfortunately, this critical aspect of the image is being ignored in many of the imagers currently being marketed.
5. Intuitive software
6. Cost and time effective.
7. High degree of reliability.
8. Effective support and service infrastructure.
9. Allows choice of multiple labs. This one is critical. You never want to be tied to one lab.

Over the next several months we will be providing reviews on the best scanners currently on the market. If you are in the market for a scanner to replace orthotic casting, keep an eye on this space for updated information.  If you have any questions about scanners, leave a reply with your question.   

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