FUSION is now compatible with Structure 3

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We are delighted to announce that our  FUSION app is now compatible with the Structure 3 scanner, as well as the previous Structure scanners, Mk.1 and the Mk.2.

Firefly’s Digital Workflow: From Scanning to Custom Manufacturing

The Structure 3 scanner provides podiatrists with the ability to capture high-accuracy (up to 1mm) 3D scans of patients’ feet. These scans are then sent directly from the FUSION app to Firefly, forming the basis of the design files for each orthotic. This digital-first approach means that every step—from patient assessment to orthotic fabrication—is powered by precision technology.

Step-by-Step: Firefly’s Digital Workflow

1. Capture the 3D Scan Using the Structure 3 scanner and the FUSION app, podiatrists create detailed digital models of patients’ feet. The 1mm accuracy of the Structure 3 ensures each scan captures critical anatomical details, helping Firefly produce orthoses that fit comfortably and function effectively.

2. Submit the Digital File With the FUSION app, scans and prescription details are easily submitted to Firefly via iPad. This streamlined process reduces the need for manual input, improving efficiency and minimising the risk of errors in the prescription process.

3. Design of Custom Orthoses Once received, Firefly’s design team utilises the digital scan files and prescriptions for the creation of each custom orthotic. This digital data-driven approach enhances the precision of the design process and allows for more customisation based on the podiatrist’s specifications and the patient’s needs.

4. 3D Printing Firefly employs state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to fabricate each custom orthotic. This method ensures that the orthoses meet Firefly’s high quality, durability, and fit standards.

Benefits of Firefly’s Digital Workflow

The shift to a fully digital workflow offers a range of benefits for podiatrists, their patients, and the custom orthotic industry:

  • Increased Precision Digital scans and 3D printing allow for orthoses with exceptional fit and functionality, paving the way for excellent patient satisfaction.
  • Efficiency Gains The digital workflow reduces time-consuming manual steps (foam boxes and plaster of Paris), helping podiatrists improve their practice efficiency and focus more on patient care.
  • Seamless Data Transfer Using FUSION and Structure 3, podiatrists can capture, process, and submit scans effortlessly, reducing the chance of errors and ensuring a seamless experience for both clinician and patient.
  • Quality Assurance With each orthotic based on a digitally optimised design, podiatrists can be confident in the quality and consistency of the product delivered.

Supporting Podiatrists with Advanced Technology

Firefly’s end-to-end digital workflow with the FUSION app and Structure 3 offers podiatrists a complete solution for custom orthotic prescriptions, from scan capture to design and 3D printing. This innovative approach is part of Firefly’s commitment to providing podiatrists with technology that advances patient care and optimises clinical efficiency.

Marking the Malleoli for Richie Brace

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The Importance of Marking the Malleoli for Richie Braces

Ensuring a precise fit for orthotic devices like the Richie Brace is crucial for both comfort and functionality. A key step in achieving this perfect fit is marking the apex of the medial and lateral malleoli. This simple yet effective practice can make a significant difference in the outcome for patients.

Why Marking Matters

Marking the malleoli helps eliminate guesswork during the fabrication process. When the apex of these bony prominences is indicated, it guides Firefly’s design team in accurately aligning the brace to your patient’s anatomy. This ensures the brace provides the intended support and correction, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or the need for adjustments.

How to Mark the Malleoli

Whether you’re using traditional casting methods or digital scanning technology, marking the malleoli is straightforward. For traditional casting, a felt-tip marker or dark pen can be used to highlight these areas on the cast. This visible mark guides the lab technicians in their work, ensuring they have precise reference points.

For podiatrists using Firefly’s scanning app FUSION, the malleoli should be identified before scanning by placing a material such as felt on the medial and lateral malleoli. These two exaggerated locations are then easily identified in the final scan file. This digital precision translates to a better-fitting orthotic device.

Prone or Supine Position?

When it comes to positioning the patient for marking the malleoli, both prone and supine positions can be effective. The choice depends on the practitioner/patient’s preference and the specific requirements of the scan or cast. The key is to ensure the malleoli are clearly marked and easily visible in the chosen position.

Support and Resources

At Firefly, we are dedicated to supporting practitioners in delivering the best care to their patients. Whether you need assistance with casting, scanning, or selecting the right Richie Brace solution, we are here to help. Our comprehensive range of resources includes detailed guides, expert consultations, and access to the latest advancements in orthotic technology.

Explore our full range of orthotic solutions, including Richie Braces, and discover how precise marking and expert craftsmanship can enhance patient outcomes.

Firefly Summer Webinar Series

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Firefly’s Summer Webinar Series sees some of the podiatry profession’s leading figures present practical and actionable foot and ankle focused CPD. Jump in to watch Dr. Tim Kilmartin, Dr. Doug Richie and Ms Zoe Wilson present on a range of podiatric MSK related topics.

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Ask Firefly: Answers to frequently asked questions on prescribing custom foot orthoses

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Watch our series of short videos that answer some frequently asked questions about the prescription of custom made foot orthoses.

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AN INTRODUCTION TO PRESCRIBING THE RICHIE BRACE | ZW ACADEMY.

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Learn from experts in the field of complex foot and ankle pathologies and the use of the Richie Brace modality at ZW Academy’s An Introduction to prescribing the Richie Brace course.

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10th Podiatric Sports Medicine Conference

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The Firefly Orthoses team will be attending the 10th Podiatric Sports Medicine Conference in Glasgow across the 8th and 9th of December 2022.

The conference is in collaboration and association with the British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine (BASEM), the Royal College of Podiatry and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow hosted by Aesculap Academia.

Firefly will have a full range of custom made foot orthoses on stand number 7 at the conference.

This year also marks the 10th Anniversary of Podiatric Sports Medicine with the foundation stone laid by Professor Nat Padhiar after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. To celebrate, a gala dinner will be held on the Thursday evening, which Firefly will be attend.

NEW OFFLOADING DEVICES

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We have re-designed our specialised device range of custom made foot orthoses, given them the new title of offloading devices and published an updated order form that is designed with the diabetic and rheumatoid arthritic patient in mind.

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FIREFLY AMBASSADOR SKI-TRIP 2022

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In March of this year, a group of podiatrists travelled to the rarified air of the French Alps to spend time together to explore how they practice, discuss the challenges they face and ultimately learn how they can expand their thinking on the profession of podiatry.

Some of the conversations that took place in and around our Alpine chalet and on the slopes were captured on camera!

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5th Transatlantic Wound Science & Podiatric Medicine Conference/ All Ireland Podiatry Conference

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Later this week Firefly will be exhibiting and delivering a workshop at the 5th Transatlantic Wound Science & Podiatric Medicine Conference / All Ireland Podiatry Conference in Galway, Ireland.

Firefly will be presenting a workshop between 14.30 & 15.30 on Friday 29th with three speakers discussing the following topics: The Orthotic Industry and the Diabetic Foot, Material Science and Orthoses Prescription Objectives and Keeping the In-Remission Foot Stable.

There’s a slight change to the workshop from the published programme, Firefly Founder & Medical Director, Martin McGeough, will not be speaking at the workshop but Firefly’s Commercial Director, Frank Sharkey will take on presenting duties in Martin’s place.

Firefly Workshop Speakers

 Frank Sharkey, Firefly Commercial Director
▷ Orthotic Labs and the Future of Orthoses For the at Risk Foot.

Sarah O’Connell, NUIG Lecturer in Podiatric Medicine, Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic
▷ Material Science & Objectives of Orthoses for the At Risk Foot.

Yvonne Buckley, HSE Mid-West Podiatrist.
▷ Keeping the In Remission Foot Stable: a case history.

Richie Brace webinar with Dr Doug Richie

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Join Dr. Doug Richie, the creator of the renowned Richie Brace ankle foot orthotic, as he performs a deep-dive on treating Adult Acquired Flatfoot using the Richie Brace AFO.

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