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Introdução: A evolução tecnológica na ortoprotesia tem impulsionado a adoção de novos métodos de fabrico, nomeadamente o sistema CAD/CAM. No tratamento da Escoliose Idiopática do Adolescente (EIA), as ortóteses de tronco assumem um papel central e a sua eficácia depende da qualidade técnica, da rapidez de fabrico e da adaptação individual. Neste contexto, torna-se fundamental analisar comparativamente as técnicas tradicionais e digitais, do ponto de vista dos profissionais responsáveis pela sua implementação. Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo assumiu natureza observacional, analítica e de abordagem qualitativa, tendo recorrido à técnica do painel Delphi em duas rondas consecutivas. Participaram sete ortoprotésicos portugueses, com experiência prática em ambas as técnicas. A recolha de dados foi realizada através de entrevistas semiestruturadas, posteriormente transcritas e sujeitas a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Os participantes referiram perceções amplamente favoráveis ao sistema CAD/CAM, destacando a maior rapidez do processo, a previsibilidade dos prazos de entrega e o aumento da produtividade. Em termos de custos, não se observou consenso entre os participantes: embora o investimento inicial seja apontado como barreira, alguns profissionais assinalaram a sustentabilidade da tecnologia em contextos com volume de produção adequado e suporte técnico eficiente. Relativamente aos desfechos de processo, foram evidenciadas a maior precisão na adaptação da ortótese, a satisfação dos utentes e a possibilidade de rastreabilidade digital. Discussão e Conclusão: Os dados obtidos sugerem que o CAD/CAM constitui uma alternativa tecnologicamente vantajosa, com potencial para otimizar recursos e melhorar a qualidade assistencial. Contudo, a técnica tradicional mantém relevância em situações clínicas complexas, pelo que a coexistência de ambos os métodos se revela pertinente. A eficácia da implementação do CAD/CAM depende, em grande medida, da infraestrutura disponível, do volume de produção e das competências técnicas dos profissionais envolvidos.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Technological advances in orthotics have fostered the adoption of new manufacturing methods, namely the CAD/CAM system. In the treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), trunk orthoses play a central role, and their effectiveness depends on technical quality, manufacturing speed, and individual adaptation. In this context, it is essential to comparatively analyse the traditional and digital techniques, from the perspective of the professionals responsible for their implementation. Materials and Methods: This study was observational, analytical, and qualitative in nature, using the Delphi panel technique in two consecutive rounds. Seven Portuguese orthotists with practical experience in both techniques participated. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, later transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Results: Participants reported predominantly favourable perceptions of the CAD/CAM system, highlighting faster processes, predictability of delivery times, and increased productivity. Regarding costs, no consensus was observed: although the initial investment was identified as a barrier, some professionals noted the technology’s sustainability in contexts with adequate production volume and efficient technical support. Concerning process outcomes, greater accuracy in orthosis adaptation, patient satisfaction, and the possibility of digital traceability were emphasized. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings suggest that CAD/CAM represents a technologically advantageous alternative, with potential to optimize resources and improve quality of care. However, the traditional technique remains relevant in complex clinical situations, so the coexistence of both methods proves to be pertinent. The successful implementation of CAD/CAM largely depends on available infrastructure, production volume, and the technical skills of the professionals involved.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Technological advances in orthotics have fostered the adoption of new manufacturing methods, namely the CAD/CAM system. In the treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), trunk orthoses play a central role, and their effectiveness depends on technical quality, manufacturing speed, and individual adaptation. In this context, it is essential to comparatively analyse the traditional and digital techniques, from the perspective of the professionals responsible for their implementation. Materials and Methods: This study was observational, analytical, and qualitative in nature, using the Delphi panel technique in two consecutive rounds. Seven Portuguese orthotists with practical experience in both techniques participated. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews, later transcribed and subjected to content analysis. Results: Participants reported predominantly favourable perceptions of the CAD/CAM system, highlighting faster processes, predictability of delivery times, and increased productivity. Regarding costs, no consensus was observed: although the initial investment was identified as a barrier, some professionals noted the technology’s sustainability in contexts with adequate production volume and efficient technical support. Concerning process outcomes, greater accuracy in orthosis adaptation, patient satisfaction, and the possibility of digital traceability were emphasized. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings suggest that CAD/CAM represents a technologically advantageous alternative, with potential to optimize resources and improve quality of care. However, the traditional technique remains relevant in complex clinical situations, so the coexistence of both methods proves to be pertinent. The successful implementation of CAD/CAM largely depends on available infrastructure, production volume, and the technical skills of the professionals involved.
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Ortoprotesia Escoliose idiopática do adolescente Ortóteses de tronco CAD/CAM Avaliação de tecnologias em saúde Orthotics and prosthetics Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis Trunk orthoses Health technology assessment MGATS