In the past, when we went to the orthopedic department, we mostly relied on the doctor’s “observation, smell, questioning and palpation”. Now, with the acceleration of medical digitization, many orthopedic clinics have quietly upgraded. It is no longer just looking at films, touching and asking questions, but has added a key examination-plantar laser scanning.
Yes, this seemingly small device is becoming the “standard configuration” of more and more hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and orthopedic institutions.
1. What is a plantar laser scanner?
It is a device that uses high-precision laser sensing and three-dimensional modeling technology to perform non-contact 360° panoramic scanning of the sole of the foot. In just a few seconds, dozens of key parameters such as foot length, foot width, arch height, left-right symmetry, etc. can be accurately collected to generate a visual 3D image.
Compared with traditional measurement methods, it is faster, more accurate, more three-dimensional, and more suitable for the needs of digital diagnosis and treatment.
2. Why are orthopedic clinics using it?
Quickly identify abnormal foot structure and improve diagnostic efficiency
Many orthopedic diseases are actually closely related to foot structure, such as flat feet, high arch feet, inverted and varus feet, and leg length difference.
It is difficult to accurately judge with the traditional naked eye, but the plantar laser scanner can generate a three-dimensional foot type map with one click, helping doctors to quickly find abnormalities and greatly improve diagnostic efficiency.
Assist in formulating personalized treatment plans, more scientific and accurate
Different foot types correspond to different treatment methods, such as whether corrective insoles, arch support, shoe type adjustment, etc. are needed.
Through the data of plantar scans, doctors can formulate intervention plans that truly meet the characteristics of their feet for each patient, especially for children in the developmental period and bone degeneration problems in the elderly.
Provide accurate data basis for customized orthopedic insoles and shoes
The foot model generated by the scanner can be directly connected to CAD/CAM software for 3D printing or engraving personalized corrective insoles and orthopedic shoes, accurate to the millimeter level, so that each rehabilitation intervention is more in line with the actual foot shape, and the effect is naturally better.
3. It can be used in these scenarios
Screening of foot structure in the first visit of orthopedic clinic
Early intervention of abnormal foot development in adolescents
Monitoring of degenerative changes in the feet of the elderly
Gait optimization and weight-bearing assessment for athletes
Preoperative and postoperative comparative evaluation of foot diseases
Customized data collection of orthopedic insoles in rehabilitation centers
