Clinical Director of Prosthetics Pace Prosthetics Summerville, SC, South Carolina, United States
This case demonstrates the successful use of 3D-printed molds and heat-cured rubber to create a barefoot-compatible, custom heel prosthesis for a patient with partial hindfoot loss. The device restored gait function, improved quality of life, and showed durability over multiple follow-ups with minimal material degradation.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the gait and functional consequences associated with partial calcaneal loss following calcanectomy.
Upon completion, participant will be able to explain the clinical rationale for using a barefoot-compatible, patient-specific prosthetic heel instead of traditional shoe-based orthotic solutions.
Upon completion, participant will be able to outline the digital workflow for designing a custom partial heel prosthesis using 3D scanning, mesh modification, and 3D-printed molds.
Upon completion, participant will be able to identify key material considerations and curing parameters when using heat-cured rubber (HCR) for partial foot prosthetic applications.
Upon completion, participant will be able to evaluate short-term functional outcomes and durability considerations of a custom-molded HCR heel prosthesis in restoring normalized gait.
