Flatfoot arch correction with generic 3D-printed orthoses at different body weight percentages.

BACKGROUND: Flatfoot can be associated with foot pathologies and treated conservatively with foot orthoses to correct arch collapse and alleviate painful symptoms. Recently, 3D printing has become more popular and is widely used for medical device manufacturing, such as orthoses. This study aims at quantifying the effect of generic 3D-printed foot orthoses on flatfoot arch correction under different static loading conditions. METHODS: Participants with normal and flatfeet were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Clinical evaluation included arch height, foot posture index, and Beighton flexibility score. Surface imaging was performed in different loading conditions: 1) 0% when sitting, 2) 50% when standing on both feet, and 3) 125% when standing on one foot with a weighted vest. For flatfoot participants, three configurations were tested: without an orthosis, with a soft generic 3D printed orthosis, and with a rigid 3D printed orthosis. Arch heights and medial arch angles were calculated and compared for the different loading conditions and with or without orthoses. The differences between groups, with and without orthoses, were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis tests, and a p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 10 normal feet and 10 flatfeet were analyzed. The 3D printed orthosis significantly increased arch height in all loading conditions, compared to flatfeet without orthosis. Wearing an orthosis reduced the medial arch angle, although not significantly. Our technique was found to have good to excellent intra and interclass correlation coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: Generic 3D printed orthoses corrected arch collapse in static loading conditions, including 125% body weight to simulate functional tasks like walking. Our protocol was found to be reliable and easier to implement in a clinical setting compared to previously reported methods. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Traffic Cameras-An Effective and Sustainable Method of Reducing Traffic and Airborne Particles During Arthroplasty Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Traffic in the operating room (OR) create turbulence and contaminates air by bacterial shedding. Therefore, we examined: (1) if the number and duration of door openings were associated with increased particles during arthroplasty surgery; (2) if traffic cameras installed in the operating room were an effective intervention to decrease traffic and particles during arthroplasty surgery; and (3) the effectiveness of traffic camera over time. METHODS: Fifty cases were included between November 3, 2021, and June 22, 2022, with 25 cases in each group. Two particle counters were used to count particles sized 0.5 to 10 µm. One counter was positioned within the sterile field, and another between the OR doors. Two door counters were mounted to count door openings. For the intervention, traffic cameras were mounted facing each door and took snapshots with door openings. RESULTS: The number of door openings/minute was 30% less in the Intervention group (P < .001). The Intervention group had significantly lower particles by 26 to 43% in the operative field (0.5 µm, P = .01; 0.7 µm, P = .008; 1 µm, P = .007; 2.5 µm, P = .006; 5 µm, P = .01; and 10 µm, P = .01). The particles between the OR doors were decreased by 2 to 42% in the Intervention group and the difference was significant for (0.5 µm, P = 0.03; 0.7 µm, P = .02; and 1 µm, P = .03). The decrease in door openings and particles were sustained over the study period. CONCLUSION: The use of traffic cameras was an effective and sustainable method to limit OR traffic and door openings, which resulted in a reduction in particles in the operating room.