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SUMMER 2024 InTouch | 7 NEWS ROUNDUP 3D-printed custom ankle braces for people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A pilot study This NZ based study with the help of MDANZ Central members, looked at whether custom ankle braces made with 3D printing could help people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a condition that affects movement and balance. Ten participants wore these braces for four weeks, and the researchers tested their walking and balance both with and without the braces. The results showed that wearing the braces significantly improved balance when standing on one leg and reduced foot pain. Participants rated the comfort and satisfaction of the braces fairly positively. However, a few individuals reported issues: one found the brace too tight, and two had trouble putting it on and taking it off due to hand dexterity issues. Tama’s Winning Shot! Congratulations to Tama Hubbard from Napier who has won the Napier Schools Digi Competition. Tama, 8, has SMA and was the only student at his school that made it through to the final with his photography entry. Tama was awarded his certificate last night at the Napier Municipal Theatre. Tama told his Mum Lisa that he “wanted to take his basketball to school as he was going to take a photo of the ball going through the hoop”. This awesome photo was the photo that got him through to the finals. Above, top-bottom: Tama Hubbard with his certificate. Tama’s winning photography shot! Above, left to right: Dr Adam Philps with participants MDANZ Members Francesca Herdahl-Thorsing andWayne Tanner. All participants received the EXO-L UP ankle brace. Use of the EXO-L UP brace in a participant with Charcot- Marie-Tooth (Images shared with permission). Overall, the study suggests that these 3D-printed braces could be beneficial for people with CMT, but more research is needed to confirm the findings and make the braces easier to use for everyone. For more info on the study visit https://doi.org/10.1002/jfa2.70013 Adam Philps, Mike Frecklington, Sarah Stewart