Technology vs Craftsmanship

By Ryan Robinson, Photo credit Ryan Robinson

I once had a student quit his studies after he found out that the career he was seeking in Pedorthics wasn’t completely “digital”. He was aghast when, as part of his term in “fabrication”, I was teaching him how to use an oven and vacuum press to heat and form orthopaedic materials over a patient’s cast to create a unique device for them. His response: “don’t we have computers that can do this?”...then he promptly dropped his lab coat and stormed off. I’ll never forget good ol’ whatshisname. The answer to his question is, indeed, “yes”. From casting to manufacture, the process of creating a custom foot orthosis (“orthotic”) can be completely automated. The use of scanning

the orthotics industry. But here’s the better question: “Does this new technology mean that the devices are superior?”

Here’s the truthful answer: “No”. Now, before you go calling me a dinosaur that simply can’t adapt and wants to go back to the good old days before electricity, let me give you some background. I have, in fact, been around the world researching emerging orthotic technology. I have even lectured across Canada, the US, and Europe on the topic. I have used various 3D scanners (and still do), I have used various CAD programs for the design of the orthoses, and I have used CNC manufacture and tried 3D printing. Digital technology is great for repeatability and consistency. If you lose your device, it is easy to remake a new one using your saved file.

However, through my experience, I have learned that it is still: “Garbage in, Garbage out.” I find that far too often we rely on technology to do our jobs for us. Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way. The use of technology is a “tool” like any other. It will not make up for a lack of knowledge, casting skill, and production knowledge. Simply put, no amount of technology will correct for a bad cast/scan and certainly not for a bad assessment. If you don’t know what you’re doing, by extension, you don’t know what is required of the custom device in order to realize the ultimate goal. It doesn’t matter how fancy the image on the screen looks.

12 Simcoe County Total Sports technology to render a 3D image of the foot has been around for some time. CAD/CAM (Computer Assisted Design and Manufacture) programs have also long been used along with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines to create devices. And, over the last few years, 3D printing has been utilized in

The manufacture of custom foot orthoses, custom shoes, and custom braces is a craft like any other, and, like any craft, some products are simply better than others. Some things to look for in a well-crafted device: 1. Does it fit? Is there a gap between your foot and the device, which might indicate that the device was “best matched” using a pre-made library of devices, rather than from a true cast of your foot. 2. Do the right and left devices look exactly the same? This is called “mirroring” where they really only use the info from one foot and “mirror” that info to make the same device for the other side (saves time and money). Your feet aren’t the same, so why would the devices be made the same?

While technology will continue to change many professions in many positive ways, it is my sincere hope and belief that we will continue to value true craftsmanship. We may make the decision to save some money and buy a bedroom set from IKEA, rather than something made from real wood and that’s okay. However, when we are talking about our health and our bodies, I hope we never sacrifice and resolve to demand the best. Now I’m going to turn the crank to start up my jalopy’s engine and head into town for some sarsaparilla at the Five and Dime. For further information, please email me at ryan.robinson@ walkingmobilityclinics.com.

Walking Mobilit y Clinics : 74 Cedar Pointe Dr, Unit 1016, Barrie | Phone 705-735-1013 135 Coldwater Rd W, Orillia | Phone 705-326-5808 www.walkingmobilityclinics.com

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