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Reflections from AOPA 2024, @ Charlotte, NC, USA: The Digital Future of Orthotics & Prosthetics (O&P)
Attending AOPA last week was an enriching experience. Here are a few insights that I think highlight the rapid changes in the global O&P industry:
• Anything that can go digital, will go digital. The shift from manual to digital manufacturing is inevitable, bringing greater precision and efficiency to O&P solutions.
• CPOs are cautiously transitioning to digital, with those who have adopted digital workflows already seeing significant improvements in precision, customization and patient comfort.
• 1 in 3 O&P devices is expected to be 3D printed by 2027, though at the current pace, this target might be reached even earlier.
• Digital tools enhance but don't replace CPO expertise. While tools simplify workflows and improve decision-making, the hands-on knowledge and clinical experience of CPOs remain essential in designing and fitting O&P devices.
• High-quality scanning is foundational: With advancements in scanning technology, even smartphones could soon serve as viable scanning tools.
• A perfect storm in the digital manufacturing space: Companies are consolidating digital tools—scanning, modelling, and 3D printing—into unified platforms (e.g., Qwadra). Meanwhile, others are specializing in specific areas such as insoles, AFOs, and prosthetic sockets (e.g., Leoshape, Proteor, Radii), and some are expanding into full-service digital manufacturing, offering design and 3D printing as a service (e.g., Quorum, Invent Medical). This convergence promises faster digital adoption and more innovation in the O&P industry.
• “Material” choice is the key: Materials like PA11, PA12, TPU, ECA, and silicone will play a crucial role in improving the strength, comfort, and effectiveness of O&P devices.
• HP MJF is becoming the gold standard for 3D-printed O&P parts, with global leaders adopting it for industrial-grade manufacturing (e.g., Invent Medical, Quorum, and Ottobock etc.)
These trends clearly point to where the O&P industry is headed, especially in emerging markets like India. At Addiwise, we are aligned with these advancements and poised to grow alongside them, making our mark in the evolving O&P landscape.
Rohit Gupta @ https://www.addiwise.com
