3D-printed insole usage expands to diabetic insensate patients after successful pilot study

In early 2023, Steeper invested in Arkad 3D printing technology, revolutionising our insole manufacturing process and reducing environmental waste by 60%. This technology offered reduced waiting times for patients and fantastic clinical outcomes using conservative insole treatments. We have continued to develop the technology and improve our insole products, and we’re thrilled to announce the results from our latest academic study conducted in collaboration with the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Hull.

Led by Dr Harriet Talbott, Medical Engineering Programme Director at the University of Hull, the University conducted in-shoe pressure tests using TekScan technology and finite element analysis. After completing 120 tests with 5 participants, comparing plantar pressures of 3D-printed insoles to EVA insoles at base depths of 3mm and 6mm, we have concluded that 3D-printed insoles are a suitable treatment option for Diabetic Insensate Patients.

Evidence from the study indicates Diabetic Insensate Patients can benefit from similar or reduced plantar pressure levels when using 3D-printed insoles compared to EVA insoles. In addition, none of the plantar pressures recorded throughout the testing reached pressure values that would trigger an ulceration. And, with the advantage of significant reductions in CO2 levels, it makes choosing Steeper 3D-printed insoles an obvious choice for the benefit of patients, and the environment.

Steeper Group are grateful to Dr Harriet Talbott and her team at the University of Hull for conducting this study and providing these invaluable insights. We look forward to offering our high-quality 3D-printed insoles to all of our patients throughout the UK, helping to create life’s turning points, together.

Pilot Study Results:

• 3mm 3D-printed plantar pressures across the tests demonstrated an average of 90.7 Kilopascals (kPa) of pressure. 3mm EVA in comparison demonstrated 94.7kPa average plantar pressures. Although 3D-printed demonstrated a slight reduction in pressure compared to EVA, there was no statistical difference between the two comparisons.

• 6mm 3D-printed insoles demonstrated an average of 82.2kPa of plantar pressure, and EVA demonstrated 95.2kPa. Indicating a small statistical significance in favour of 3D-printed plantar pressure improvement.

• Both 3D-printed and EVA demonstrated a reduction of plantar pressures when compared to barefoot, with average barefoot plantar pressures for the test subjects of 182kPa.

• None of the plantar pressures recorded throughout the testing reached pressure values that would trigger an ulceration.

• Plugs across both 3D-printed and EVA offloaded equivalently.

Please contact T +44 (0)113 270 4841orthotics@steepergroup.comwww.steepergroup.com