O&P Research Insights with Dr. Steve Gard

Author: AAOP - The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

Join Dr. Steve Gard, Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO) as he meets one-on-one with the author of a featured article to extract the take away points of the research conducted. These 30-minute podcasts will provide O&P clinicians and rehab specialists with actionable knowledge that may be implemented in practice. This podcast is intended for any and all involved with O&P patient care.
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Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with 3D-printed and Traditionally Fabricated Ankle–Foot Orthoses
Episode 61
Wednesday, 28 October, 2026

In this episode, Dr. Steve Gard, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics (JPO), welcomes Thomas Burton, MASc, lead engineer at Boundless Biomechanical Bracing, to discuss his research comparing patient satisfaction with 3D-printed and traditionally fabricated custom ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). Burton shares what inspired the study and why understanding the patient experience is essential when evaluating emerging fabrication technologies. He walks through the study's methodology, which allowed participants to wear both types of AFOs, provide feedback and ultimately choose their preferred device. The conversation explores key findings, including comparable overall satisfaction between the two approaches, differences in perceived weight and durability, and why a majority of participants chose to keep their 3D-printed AFOs. Burton also discusses the challenges of conducting patient-centered research, the limitations of the study and the need for additional research to better understand the long-term performance and benefits of 3D-printed orthotic devices. Show notes JPO article: Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with 3D-printed and Traditionally Fabricated Ankle–Foot Orthoses O&P Research Insights is produced by Association Briefings.