Lower limb healthcare company AlgeAn has used advanced digital technology and material science to create Algeos 3D – computer generated, personalised orthoses using high-performance, renewable materials and a patent-pending XFix system.
Digital models are created using a scan of the feet, ensuring a perfect match for an individual’s anatomy and clinical needs and removing guesswork and variation. The orthoses are then ordered with a click of a button on an open-access platform which accepts scans from any device or method, with no hardware-linked or hidden costs.
And as they are produced in the UK they are ready within just seven working days – far faster than the industry average of two to six weeks.
Algeos managing director Max Sheridan said: ‘As a leader in lower-limb care materials and innovation, we wanted to build on our legacy in a way that not only embraced the digital transformation of the sector, but empowered clinicians and improved patient outcomes.
‘After extensive research and development, we are proud to launch Algeos 3D as a solution for private practice clinicians who are looking for a simple yet effective way to introduce digital orthotic therapy into their practice.’
A first to the UK market, the renewable material is PA11, a plant-based biomaterial that is durable, lightweight and environmentally responsible.
‘No glue or mess’
The X-Fix system is and allows users to change top covers at home without glue or mess. They receive one pair of insoles and can order multiple covers so that the orthoses adapt between daily wear, sport, and different types of shoes, saving time and money.
The new product is targeted at private clinical practices and hospitals, for use by patients who have sports and other injuries.
Louise Fisher, a musculoskeletal MSK advanced podiatrist and clinical education consultant for Algeos, worked with orthotics and prosthetics business manager colleague Shaun Large to develop the vision for the product. They collaborated with product developers and advanced clinicians to design the system.
Louise said: ‘We wanted to break down the barriers that stop clinicians accessing custom-made foot orthoses, which are effective in the treatment and prevention of many foot problems, and we want more people to benefit so they lead healthier, active lives.’
November launch
After six months of testing the product with clinicians who had different levels of experience with custom-made orthoses, the final solution, Algeos 3D, was launched in November at Podiatry 2025, the Royal College of Podiatry’s annual conference that was held in Glasgow.
‘It was really exciting to see the final product and share it at the conference, after the months of collaborating, designing and developing,’ Louise added.
‘We think this is a great solution which answers lots of frustrations expressed by clinicians who have been using clunky systems and lots of paperwork – it is simple, seamless and quick to receive the custom-made orthoses – and those who used it in our pilot project loved it.’
