Desenvolvimento de órteses tornozelo-pé através da tecnologia de impressão 3D

Abstract

Gait biomechanical alterations, resulting from various etiologies such as neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, significantly impact individuals’ functionality and quality of life, thereby requiring the use of ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs). However, conventional AFO manufacturing methods present limitations in terms of personalization, production time, and cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to develop a methodology for creating customized ankle–foot orthoses using 3D printing technology, seeking to optimize the design and production of these devices. The methodology comprised an in-depth literature review on biomechanics, including the anatomical study of the foot and the gait cycle, their biomechanical alterations, and the application of orthoses, as well as an analysis of current standards and regulations regarding the manufacturing of these devices in Brazil. Subsequently, the development of the orthosis models was carried out through three processes: starting with limb scanning, followed by three-dimensional (3D) modeling in Fusion 360, and finally the printing and finishing of the models for the final testing stage. The test results obtained with the developed models demonstrated the applicability of additive manufacturing, enabling the fabrication of orthoses with superior anatomical fit, greater user comfort, reduced production time, and the possibility of using lower-cost materials. Furthermore, the proposed development contributed to improving the quality of life of individuals with reduced mobility by offering a new, more accessible production alternative, allowing financially vulnerable populations to gain access to these devices and thus enabling more efficient and affordable solutions in the field of assistive technology.