A Personalised 3D Approach to Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Raquel Leirós.

Universidad de León, Spain.

Diabetes foot complications are a major health challenge and can lead to ulcers, infections and amputations. These complications have a substantial impact on patients’ quality of life and on healthcare costs. Existing foot-support solutions are often standardised and do not adequately address individual patients’ needs. This project aims to develop personalised 3D-printed devices that protect vulnerable feet and reduce the risk of complications in people with diabetes.

3D-FootCare combines biomechanical assessment, digital design and additive manufacturing to tailor the orthosis to each patient’s needs, distributing pressure to improve comfort. The technology has already produced promising results and is now progressing through further validation and regulatory preparation to support wider clinical use.

Personalised manufacturing would improve fit and comfort, reduce harmful pressure and lower the risk of ulcers and related complications. By helping people with diabetes remain mobile and independent, the device would improve quality of life and lower long-term health costs.

• María Elena Arce, Universidade da Coruña, Spain.

• Jesús Manuel Rodríguez, Universidad de Extremadura, Spain.

STAGE 1