3D-printed helmet for plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (TaLee)
TaLee is a 3D-printed cranial remoulding helmet for babies. It is light, thin and perforated, so that your baby can wear it comfortably throughout treatment.
3D printing
3D-printed paediatric AFO and SMO braces
Thin, lightweight ankle-foot braces for children, designed from a 3D scan and printed on a 3D printer, so that your child can feel the difference with every step.
- Up to 70% lighter than a conventional brace
- Slim design that fits inside the shoe
- 3D scanning and printing on our HP printer
- 5 basic types: SMO, articulated, ground reaction
- Fitting and handover on the same day
If your child needs an ankle-foot brace, we know how important it is for them to wear it comfortably and without feeling self-conscious. That is why at Hlamidis Orthopaedic Center we make 3D-printed paediatric AFO and SMO braces: using 3D scanning and 3D printing, we create braces that are thin, light and come in designs children like.
We are by your side throughout the journey: from the first assessment, in consultation with your child’s doctor, to the check-ups after handover.
What are AFO and SMO braces?
An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is a brace that supports the ankle and the foot. An SMO (supramalleolar orthosis) is a lower brace that reaches just above the ankle bones. Both are worn inside the shoe.
For children with cerebral palsy and similar conditions in particular, AFO and SMO braces can help improve mobility and ankle control. They are also used, in line with the doctor’s instructions, in cases such as clubfoot and toe walking.
Why a 3D-printed brace for your child?
- Much lighter: up to 70% lighter than a conventional brace, so your child gets less tired.
- Slim design: it fits more easily into the shoe, so you usually do not need to buy a larger shoe size.
- Waterproof material: your child can play with water without the brace being damaged by moisture.
- Precise fit: it is designed on the scan of your child’s foot and can be adjusted if corrections are needed.
- Designs children like: the design freedom that only 3D printing allows makes the brace more appealing to children.
The 5 basic brace types
Every child is different and has unique needs. That is why we start from 5 different basic types, which we then adapt further to suit your child:
- Active (SMO): a low brace reaching above the ankle bones.
- Dynamic (Articulated): a brace with an ankle joint.
- Control: an AFO for ankle control.
- Block (Ground Reaction AFO): a ground reaction brace.
- Rehab (Caroli).
We choose the right type together with your child’s doctor, after an assessment.
The process, step by step
- Assessment: we assess your child and, in consultation with the doctor, choose the right type of brace.
- Proposal: we explain the possible manufacturing options to you as parents.
- Measurements: we take the necessary measurements, with a 3D scan of the foot or by taking a cast.
- Manufacture: we design the brace and print it on our HP 3D printer.
- Fitting and handover: you come to our centre for a fitting, and we hand over the brace the same day.
- Check-up: we schedule one more appointment to see how your child is getting on and make any corrections needed.
Tips for parents
- Gradual adjustment: at handover, we explain how to gradually increase wearing time, in line with the doctor’s instructions.
- Skin checks: when you take the brace off, look at your child’s skin; if you see red marks that do not fade, come in so that we can check it.
- Growth: children grow quickly. If the brace starts to feel tight or short, call us for a check-up.
Cost and EOPYY
The cost depends on the type of brace and the adaptations your child needs. We are a contracted provider of EOPYY (ΕΟΠΥΥ), Greece’s national health insurance organisation, whose reimbursement applies to people insured in Greece. To find out how the doctor’s prescription can be processed for a 3D-printed brace, contact us so that we can check what applies in your case. If you are not insured in Greece, EOPYY reimbursement does not apply; you can pay privately, and any cover depends on your own insurer’s rules – contact us and we will give you the information you need for your case. This information is valid as of the date of the last update. See also our page on EOPYY reimbursement.
Read more
See all our 3D printing solutions, such as the plagiocephaly helmet, as well as our orthopaedic children’s shoes and conventional lower-limb orthoses.
To book an assessment, call +30 2310 282 894 or send us a message.
What is an AFO brace?
An AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) is a brace that supports the ankle and the foot and is worn inside the shoe. In children it is often used in cerebral palsy and similar conditions, to help with ankle control and mobility, always in line with the doctor’s instructions.
What is the difference between an AFO and an SMO?
An SMO is a lower brace that reaches just above the ankle bones and mainly supports the foot and ankle. An AFO is taller and covers a larger part of the lower leg, for more control. We decide which one suits your child together with the doctor.
Why choose a 3D-printed brace?
A 3D-printed brace is up to 70% lighter than a conventional one, thinner, made from a waterproof material and designed on the scan of your child’s foot. This makes it more pleasant for your child to wear, and you usually do not need a larger shoe size.
How quickly is the brace delivered?
Once the brace has been made, we book a fitting appointment at our centre, and we hand over the brace the same day. We then schedule another check-up to see how your child is getting on. For the overall timeframe, call us on +30 2310 282 894.
Does EOPYY cover a 3D-printed paediatric brace?
We are a contracted provider of EOPYY, Greece’s national health insurance organisation, for children insured in Greece. Because the way the prescription is processed depends on the diagnosis and the type of brace, contact us so that we can check what applies in your case. Bring the doctor’s prescription with you. See also our page on EOPYY reimbursement.
Related
Children's orthopaedic shoes in Thessaloniki
Orthopaedic and comfort shoes for children with conditions such as flat feet, with a foot scan and custom insoles, always following the advice of the paediatric orthopaedic surgeon.
Custom upper- and lower-limb orthoses and braces
We make upper- and lower-limb orthoses and braces to your measurements, from an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) to a full knee-ankle-foot orthosis (KAFO), always in line with your doctor's instructions.
We work with the leading manufacturers
Book an assessment for your child
Bring your doctor’s prescription and we will recommend the right type of brace. Call +30 2310 282 894.