DESIGN OF CUSTOMIZED ARTICULATED ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSES BY USING REVERSE ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN TOOLS.

The article focuses on the design of customized articulated ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) using reverse engineering and computer-aided design (CAD) tools. It describes a methodology involving 3D scanning of the patient’s lower leg, reverse engineering software to create internal and external surfaces, and CAD software to develop a two-component AFO connected by a rotational articulation that limits plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. The study also includes topological optimization of the upper component to reduce weight, with the design intended for additive manufacturing in ABS material. The authors emphasize the need for further validation through finite element analysis and clinical trials, as well as additional research to identify optimal materials and manufacturing techniques.