Theoretical and practical aspects of use of 3D printed and serial orthopedic insoles in patients with symptomatic flat feet

This study was aimed to develop a new method of production of orthopedic insoles using 3D printing. We analyzed possibilities of creating orthopedic insoles using 3D printing, features and technology of their application. This method allows the creation of individual insoles for each patient using 3D technology. The new technique allows re-modeling in case of error. Our method differs from those used abroad (such as GENSOLE and Materialise) that utilize only 3D printing without third-party materials. In those methods, the calculation of the insole shape is performed by digitizing the foot and calculating the pressure points of different parts of the feet. We compared our insoles with serial and individual orthopedic insoles and demonstrated the advantages of the new technology over those currently used in orthopedic insole production.