The effectiveness of custom hard-shell 3D-printed foot orthoses in a cohort of patients who did not respond to treatment with custom ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) foot orthoses

Background

Patients who do not achieve positive outcomes with custom ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) foot orthoses will often be escalated to other services for treatment, which may include surgery.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of custom hard-shell 3D-printed foot orthoses for patients who did not respond to treatment with custom EVA foot orthoses and were being considered for treatment escalation.

Design

An eight-week clinical evaluation and a two-year review of relevant medical records.

Method

Thirty-six consecutive patients with a range of musculoskeletal lower limb pathology who remained symptomatic after 12-weeks use of custom EVA foot orthoses were fitted with custom hard-shell 3D-printed foot orthoses. The Foot Health Status Questionnaire was used to assess patients at baseline and eight-week follow-up in conjunction with the Client Satisfaction with Device module of the Orthotics and Prosthetics User Survey. Patients were categorised as responders or non-responders based on their change in pain scores. A review of relevant medical records two years after receiving their orthoses determined if patients required further treatment for their initial condition.

Results

Across the full cohort there were significant improvements in pain, function and foot health. At follow-up, responders reported significantly improved pain, function and foot health compared with non-responders. Twenty-six patients (12 responders, 14 non-responders) required no further treatment for their original condition after two years.

Conclusions

Custom hard-shell 3D-printed foot orthoses have the potential to improve pain, function, foot health, and provide satisfaction in patients with lower limb musculoskeletal conditions which do not improve with custom EVA foot orthoses.