What is it about?
Children with orthopaedic conditions sometimes need a specially-made brace for their lower leg. These could be measured to fit by using either traditional casting or laser scanning technology. This study reports on a randomised trial comparing the two.
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Why is it important?
Many people think that laser scanning is quicker and more accurate, but before this study there was not sufficient evidence to support this view. This study did not find evidence to support a move to using laser scanning as standard. It is important that the most cost-effective option is used in practice.
Perspectives
It was interesting to note from the study that the efficiency of the laser scanning approach may have been related to the training of the orthotist. If the laser scanning process could be improved, and all orthotists were trained in the new techniques, then laser scanning might prove cost-effective in the future.
Mr Christopher James Sampson
The Office of Health Economics
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A randomised controlled trial of laser scanning and casting for the construction of ankle–foot orthoses, Prosthetics and Orthotics International, April 2016, Wolters Kluwer Health,
DOI: 10.1177/0309364614550263.
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