Using laser, structural or infrared imaging techniques, foot 3D scanners can obtain accurate 3D data on the surface of the foot, arch structure and contact area of the foot in a relatively short time.
Its application scope has expanded from medical diagnosis to rehabilitation, sports, manufacturing, research and other fields.
Here are five of the most common and iconic application scenarios:
1.Medical diagnosis and evaluation of foot malformations
In orthopaedics, rehabilitation medicine, foot and ankle surgery, and child development assessment, 3D scanners accurately record the dorsal, arch, metatarsal arrangement, and periankle morphology of the foot. They are suitable for initial screening or additional assessment of flat foot, arch, hallux valgus, and other structural abnormalities.
Compared with conventional observations, footprint boards or X-rays have advantages in morphological quantification, left-right foot comparison and dynamic tracking. At the same time, doctors can use 3D models to track changes in bone alignment over time, improving objectivity and repeatability of treatment plans.
2.Custom orthotic devices and personalized insole production
Foot 3D scanners have gradually replaced orthotic customization.
Scan data can reflect arch height, pressure concentration areas and the shape of the soles of the feet, which can be used for CAD modeling and 3D printing.
Foot and ankle orthopaedic shoes, functional insoles, gait improvement equipment for children, and tools for diabetic foot feeding can all be manufactured according to the precision of foot type, improving health and comfort of the body and reducing the risk of secondary injury due to morphological errors.
3.Assessment of gait and load during exercise and rehabilitation training
In sports medicine and rehabilitation training, three-dimensional scans can analyze the morphological characteristics and weight structure of the feet of long-distance, ball and dance athletes.
Combining dynamic platform or pressure sensing system, quantitative analysis of arch collapse, handstand, overturn and load distribution is carried out to help trainers choose sneakers or design training programmes. Scanning data can be used to assess gait stability, foot support, and orthopedic outcomes in rehabilitation patients from surgery or in the elderly population.
4.Footwear manufacturing and personalized shoe design
Foot 3D scanning technology is used in the shoe production chain chain to improve size matching, comfort and last design.
Shoe manufacturers can use user-scanned data to create foot databases for the latest development or private customization of footwear for a region or specific population.
Combining Scan results with CAD/CAM software can shorten the test production cycle and gain in scale, increasing production efficiency and market responsiveness.
5. Scientific research and data modeling analysis
Foot biomechanics research, ergonomics analysis and population-based database are important application directions of 3D scanning technology.
Research institutions can use scan data to construct foot models of different ages, genders and ethnicities for pathology analysis, foot matching criteria and population health surveys. At the same time, the combination of 3D data and artificial intelligence algorithm can be used for gait prediction, foot classification, orthotic effect modeling, etc., providing statistical basis for clinical decision-making and product development.
