Accurate positioning of a patient’s foot with the subtalar joint neutral and midtarsal joint pronated has been the standard for obtaining precision impressions for Root Functional Orthotics for over 60 years. The question now is: Are the traditional methods of obtaining accurate impressions still the best methods?
In discussing the merits of the various techniques for capturing an accurate impression of a foot for the purpose of creating a foot orthotic and valid argument can be made for and against all of them. For many years plaster casting has been considered the optimal technique, with an experienced practitioner being able to reproduce results consistently and have the ability to assess the cast immediately upon removal from the foot and determine if it is suitable or not. The same can be said for foam casting box techniques. Both techniques allow for semi-weight bearing impressions to be performed when desired. The downside to these techniques include increased time and labor in the treatment room, particularly for plaster when you include set up and cleaning into the equation. Shipping costs and storage should also be factored.
Converting to a digital system has been transformative in several areas in the typical biomechanical practice. Paper charts have gone away in favor of computers and tablets. The old x-ray films are no longer in widespread use. Communications with patients and insurance carriers. are mostly online with much less necessity of phones and faxes. The marketing and advertising of the private practice is no longer reliant on bulky yellow page directories but instead web pages, blogs and social media.
Digital scanning of the foot is now considered the standard for gaining an impression for the purpose of making a functional orthotic. The practical advantages in time and cost savings is readily apparent. The only question then is: Does digital scanning produce an orthotic device as high in quality as more traditional methods? So far, the limited research available is leading to a positive response to this question, but more data is needed.
What do you think? The KevinRoot Medical team is open to any discussion on how to improve our collective experience in the field of biomechanics and foot orthotics.
