Role of Additive Manufacturing for the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most commonly reported global ailments, which is consuming a major share of healthcare resources. This leads to a rise in the number of instances of diabetic ulcers, patients with loss of sensation in the plantar area of the foot, and in extreme cases, amputations. Diabetes-related foot ulcers, with all of its comorbidities, are a significant medical condition that needs multidisciplinary care to treat. Using customized shoes, unloading orthoses, and other strategies may help control these issues to some extent. One of the most innovative recent developments is the creation of orthoses for diabetes patients using additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. This chapter covered the different approaches for the management of diabetic foot ulcers, including preventive and treatment methods and the application of additive manufacturing to fabricate foot orthoses. Primary care doctors, nurses, podiatrists, diabetologists, vascular surgeons, and other healthcare professionals engaged in the therapy or prevention of diabetic foot ulcers may find this chapter helpful.