Customization of lower limb orthotic devices

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Since the recognition of TOPMED as a college center for technology transfer in orthoses, prostheses, and medical equipment - unique in Canada - TOPMED has worked closely with Collège Mérici to increase the college's research capacity by equipping the Mérici personnel with technological resources and tools and by helping them develop essential medical expertise. Collège Mérici and TOPMED now wish to take the college's research capacity to a new level and provide patients with new, high-quality custom support by developing new tools and approaches for "Customization of lower limb orthotic devices." The customized approach is not only highly suitable for developing innovative and well-adapted solutions and products. The approach is also beneficial for patients needing an orthotic device as it leads to an improved adoption of the interventions and orthoses designed for them. The specifics of the patient's biomechanics, the level of activity and stability, conditions such as spasticity, as well as muscular strength will all guide the choice of the ideal orthosis. Thus, we propose to develop a new customized approach to the treatment of lower limb pathologies. Based on objective biomechanical data of the patient, we will quantify and modulate the level of correction that an orthotic device offers. The research team will work closely with industry partners to: 1. Develop a methodology for the analysis and predictive modelling of biomechanical correction adapted to common pathologies of the foot, ankle, and knee during various movements (walking, climbing staires, running when appropriate); 2. Develop tools and approaches for biomechanical correction: Design, simulation, and advanced manufacturing of custom-designed orthotic components according to patient-specific anatomy and compensatory biomechanics; 3. Validate the entire process iteratively with patients in order to optimize the biomechanical correction analysis and predictive modelling tools as well as the advanced manufacturing processes.