Ricoh 3D launches Ankle CCD Lever Kit in partnership with ORLAU

As part of Ricoh UK Products Ltd’s expansion into the medical sector, since 2017, Ricoh 3D has been knowledge sharing, co-creating and partnering with ORLAU – The Orthotic Research & Locomotor Assessment Unit based at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (NHS Foundation Trust), including supporting an innovative knee alignment device (KAD) which won a prestigious TCT Healthcare Application Award in 2022.

The dedicated unit was established in 1975 by Gordon Rose, an orthopaedic surgeon, to provide assessments of mobility impairment and to develop engineering solutions for patients with disabilities.

Today ORLAU continues to: 

• Assess children and adults with mobility problems by gait analysis
• Advise patients and referring clinicians on treatment options and strategies
• Deliver orthoses, mobility aids and walking devices for children and adults
• Train health professionals in the fields of movement analysis and rehabilitation engineering
• Research and develop engineering solutions for mobility impairment

In the last few years, Ricoh 3D has collaborated with ORLAU to develop a lever-hinge mechanism for ankle-foot orthotics: Ankle Contracture Correction Device (CCD) Lever Kit. In short, the 3D printed lever has made it much easier for patients to put on and take off their orthotic (otherwise known as ‘donning’ and ‘doffing’). Access the full case study by clicking here.

After extensive testing and iteration work, the lever-hinge mechanism is now in full production and has been very well received by users in their rehabilitation journeys.

Ricoh 3D is delighted to now distribute this Ankle CCD Lever Kit on behalf of ORLAU – the technical body behind the design, to individuals and organisations trained and approved by ORLAU themselves, such as other hospitals, NHS groups, and orthotists across the UK.

“With this cost-effective method and innovative solution, we hope orthotists around the UK are now able to easily purchase a kit of parts that can be applied to a hinged AFO shell to create a simple ankle stretching device.“

Keith Miller, Senior Rehabilitation Engineer, ORLAU

"This latest project undoubtedly strengthens our partnership with ORLAU and the RJAH NHS Foundation Trust, and we hope to unlock further avenues to support the NHS and medical sector as a whole, to change people’s lives for the better. The work we do in the medical sector supports RICOH’s global commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in this instance, SDG3 – Good Health and Wellbeing. I’m delighted that we have helped ORLAU bring this product to market – their first for over 15 years! But none of this would have been possible without wider support across RPL… It has been a multi-departmental project, pioneering our teamwork, innovation and winning spirit."

Richard Minifie, Senior Engineer, Ricoh 3D