EFFECT OF 3D-PRINTED INSOLES VERSUS STANDARD ORTHOTICS ON FOOT ULCER PREVENTION IN DIABETIC PATIENTS
- Authors
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Mamoona Tasleem Afzal
Author
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Rabia Saleem
Author
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- Keywords:
- Additive manufacturing, Biomechanics, Diabetic foot, Foot ulcer prevention, Orthotic devices, Patient-specific design, Plantar pressure, Pressure redistribution, Randomized controlled trial
- Abstract
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Background: Diabetic foot ulceration remains a major cause of morbidity and disability among individuals with diabetes mellitus, primarily resulting from neuropathic and mechanical stress on plantar surfaces. Conventional orthotic insoles provide partial relief but often lack individualized precision. Emerging 3D-printing technology offers opportunities for highly customized, patient-specific insoles that may enhance pressure redistribution and reduce ulcer risk.
Objective: To compare the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of personalized 3D-printed insoles versus conventional orthotic devices in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 120 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy in South Punjab. Participants were assigned equally to receive either 3D-printed insoles or standard orthotics. Plantar pressure mapping and digital foot scans were used to design customized insoles in the intervention group. Outcome measures included mean peak plantar pressure, ulcer incidence, comfort score, gait parameters, and pressure-time integral assessed at baseline, three, and six months. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05.
Results: The 3D-printed insole group demonstrated a greater reduction in mean plantar pressure (forefoot: 365.2 to 274.6 kPa) compared with the standard orthotic group (362.8 to 319.4 kPa, p < 0.001). New ulcer formation occurred in 1.7% of the 3D-printed group versus 10% of controls (p = 0.04). Comfort scores were higher (8.6 ± 0.9 vs. 7.1 ± 1.2, p < 0.001), with improved gait parameters and lower cumulative pressure-time integrals.
Conclusion: Personalized 3D-printed insoles significantly enhanced plantar pressure distribution, comfort, and ulcer prevention compared with conventional orthotics, indicating a promising role for precision-engineered insoles in diabetic foot care.
- Author Biographies
- References
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- 2025-05-31
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Copyright (c) 2025 Mamoona Tasleem Afzal, Rabia Saleem (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
