Development and design of the ankle ortheses with electrotherapy agent created by three-dimensional printer

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common diseases in our country. Electrotherapy agents are also one of the treatment modalities which are used for individuals with cerebral palsy in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation. We use electrical stimulation treatment especially for spasticity inhibition and preventing post op muscular atrophy. In the meantime, there are ankle foot orthosis (AFOs) being used for life time long by individuals with cerebral palsy and these ankle ortheses are one of the golden standard methods being used for foot deformities all around the world. Classical methods are commonly being used for its manufacturing. Developments have been increased in the field of healthcare since the technology entered into life more closely. A lot of developments are occurring in the field of healthcare thanks to the fast prototyping. The main feature of AFOs is their being specially designed for the individual and for the deformity. Devices created by conventional methods cause a big loss of time and effort. In the meantime, long term and regular use of these are vital for patients. In this study, we primarily designed and manufactured a product which will be placed tailor-made for these devices that are being used for life time for whether for spasticity or muscle atrophy by using 3D printers thus will increase the efficiency and comfort of clinicians. This product, unlike the previous ankle ortheses, is specially designed for the patient's limb and it provides an opportunity for administering the electrotherapy agent determined eligibly for the patient. The device in this study is the first one known in our country and in the world created by 3D printers and can be used with electrotherapy agents as well. Keyword: 3 Dimensional printer, electrotherapy, ankle foot orthosis (AFO)