The CAD/CAM system dramatically changes the way orthotic and prosthetic devices are manufactured and speeds the entire process. The design and manufacturing procedure is infinitely more precise and efficient, and production time has been greatly minimized.

What was once considered impossible, is now becoming routine. Patients requiring prosthetics can be provided with test sockets within a manner of hours instead of days. The mold is taken, digitized and electronically modified and then sent to the carver. The carver cuts the socket design from a plaster and starch block using a large drill bit. Once carved, the model is sent to the technicians for fabrication. In some cases, the patient is able to take the preparatory socket home with him or her the same afternoon.

In addition, the patient's records are stored electronically for future reference and the file can be easily modified to provide patients with the best possible fit over time.

Shape modification using the CAD/CAM system is done with the click of a mouse versus the mixing and applying of plaster and then waiting for the plaster to set. Measurements are better quantified (i.e. the computer can calculate residual limb volumes in "cc's") which can be useful in research or justifying the need for a replacement due to volume changes.

This technology allows the professional staff at AAL&OS to create a precisely fit device for our patients that provides more comfort and function. More importantly, as one of the leaders in CAD/CAM technology in the region, AAL&OS has been able to reduce the fabrication time for what has always been seen as a labor intensive process, thus allowing our practitioners to have more quality time to care for our patients.