An exploration of bespoke, rigid, thermoplastic ankle-foot orthosis prescriptions and manufacturing techniques in the UK

Nicola Eddison; Alice Dudley; Panagiotis Chatzistergos; Daniel Hodgkin; Danielle Whittaker; Megan Gathern; Nachiappan Chockalingam

doi:10.1080/10400435.2025.2586616

An exploration of bespoke, rigid, thermoplastic ankle-foot orthosis prescriptions and manufacturing techniques in the UK

Nicola Eddison (Lead / Corresponding author)
, Alice Dudley
, Panagiotis Chatzistergos
, Daniel Hodgkin
, Danielle Whittaker
, Megan Gathern
, Nachiappan Chockalingam

Biomedical Engineering

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

This study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore the perspectives of orthotic technicians in the UK on the prescription and manufacturing of bespoke, rigid, thermoplastic ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) and the information they receive from clinicians to guide manufacturing. A questionnaire captured the information included in a typical AFO prescription and orthotic technicians’ perspective regarding its clarity. Qualitative interviews with technicians revealed key challenges including a lack of standardization, communication gaps with clinicians, and workforce training needs. These insights are considered alongside recent technical findings that quantified AFO thickness variability and biomechanical implications. The findings highlight the need for standardized prescription protocols, improved quality assurance, and collaborative efforts to support consistency and patient outcomes.

Original language	English
Number of pages	7
Journal	Assistive Technology
Early online date	1 Dec 2025
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1080/10400435.2025.2586616
Publication status	E-pub ahead of print - 1 Dec 2025

Keywords

Ankle foot orthoses
manufacturing
orthotics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation

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10.1080/10400435.2025.2586616

Cite this

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abstract = "This study uses a mixed-methods approach to explore the perspectives of orthotic technicians in the UK on the prescription and manufacturing of bespoke, rigid, thermoplastic ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) and the information they receive from clinicians to guide manufacturing. A questionnaire captured the information included in a typical AFO prescription and orthotic technicians{\textquoteright} perspective regarding its clarity. Qualitative interviews with technicians revealed key challenges including a lack of standardization, communication gaps with clinicians, and workforce training needs. These insights are considered alongside recent technical findings that quantified AFO thickness variability and biomechanical implications. The findings highlight the need for standardized prescription protocols, improved quality assurance, and collaborative efforts to support consistency and patient outcomes.",

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AU - Eddison, Nicola

AU - Dudley, Alice

AU - Chatzistergos, Panagiotis

AU - Hodgkin, Daniel

AU - Whittaker, Danielle

AU - Gathern, Megan

AU - Chockalingam, Nachiappan

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KW - orthotics

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An exploration of bespoke, rigid, thermoplastic ankle-foot orthosis prescriptions and manufacturing techniques in the UK

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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