CAD/CAM in Pediatric Orthopedics

Digital tools like 3D scanning and printing are reshaping pediatric orthopedics, offering children precise, comfortable, and adaptable care.

In recent years, new technologies have transformed practices in orthopedic care, providing faster, more effective and more personalized devices. CAD/CAM : human body measurement and scanning solutions enable fast, non-invasive data capture, providing a reliable foundation for tailored designs. These innovations support both efficiency and improved user experience in the medical field. This innovation is particularly significant in pediatric orthopedics, with young patients requiring devices that adapt to their specific needs and continuous growth.

This article explores how CAD/CAM has reshaped the way practitioners design and produce orthopedic devices for children, offering both clinical and practical benefits.

What is CAD/CAM in orthopedic ?

In orthopedics, CAD/CAM technology (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) allows practitioners to digitally design and produce custom orthopedic devices. Instead of relying solely on plaster molds or hand-made modifications, the process is based on digital data collected from the patient.

Process of use

The CAD/CAM workflow in orthopedics is divided into 3 steps:

1 – Scan: the CPO uses 3D scanning tools such as 3DSizeMe to capture the body measurements of the patient. This step is fast and eliminates the discomfort of plaster casting and ensures accurate, reproducible measurements.

2 – Design: the scan data is imported into specialized software like Cube or Canfit, where the practitioner can digitally model and adjust the device, ensuring the device meets both functional and comfort requirements.

3 – Production: once the design is finalized, it is sent to manufacturing equipment like milling machine or 3D printer to produce the device. 3D printers like Sona Edge or Sona Flex are efficient tools in printing high quality devices.

For CPOs, CAD/CAM offers a wide range of benefits like speed and efficiency, reduced material waste and consistency. Digital processes significantly reduce turnaround times from measurement to delivery. Manufacturing devices is optimized, which minimizes offcuts and discarded material. Thanks to 3D scan and software, designs can be archived and reused for future adjustments, ensuring uniform quality across multiple devices.

Use of CAD/CAM in pediatric care

In pediatric care, digital measurements are a game-changer. Children grow rapidly, which means their orthopedic devices often require adjustments or replacements. With CAD/CAM, practitioners can store a child’s 3D data over time, making it easy to compare anatomical changes and adapt designs without repeating lengthy measurement sessions.

Thanks to CAD/CAM, devices like body jackets or lower limb orthotics can be made with high precision. This accuracy improves fit and function, which in turn enhances clinical outcomes. With digital adjustments, the process is faster and less invasive, especially for children who may find repeated fittings stressful.

One of the greatest advantages of CAD/CAM in pediatrics is the ability to quickly adapt a design as the child grows. With digital tools, it is possible to update measurements and modify the device within hours, reducing the need for multiple in-person adjustments. This is beneficial for children recovering from surgery or managing progressive conditions, where timely adaptation can make a significant difference in mobility and comfort.

This offers a wide range of benefits for the patient with a fast delivery thanks to the reduced production time, meaning children spend less time waiting for their device. With a precise fit which minimizes pressure points and discomfort, CAD/CAM enhances comfort, encouraging better adherence to treatment. With 3D printing, the devices can be produced in lighter materials with attractive finishes, making them easier to wear and more appealing to children.

CAD/CAM technology has introduced a new era in pediatric orthopedic care, allowing practitioners to design and deliver devices that are comfortable, efficient and adaptable. For children, this means not only better clinical outcomes but also greater comfort, faster turnaround times and more aesthetically pleasing devices. As the sector of orthopedics keeps evolving with new technologies, the role of digital tools in orthopedics will bring new possibilities for individualized care and improved devices for young patients.