Unveiling Research Trends and Future Directions in 3D-Printed Foot Orthoses using Bibliometric Analysis

Introduction: Foot orthoses or insoles are commonly used interventions for treating musculoskeletal disorders of the feet. Recently, three-dimensional printing (3D printing) technology has revolutionized the manufacturing process of foot orthoses, offering enhanced customization and precision. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive mapping of research trends and future development prospects in this area. This study aims to address this gap by utilizing bibliometric analysis to provide insights into emerging trends and directions in 3D-printed foot orthoses. Methods: Bibliographic data were obtained from the Scopus database. The data were analyzed and visualized using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer to perform bibliometric network analysis and to map research trends and relationships for various domains associated with 3D-printed foot orthoses. Results: The bibliometric analysis revealed three key research topics in the field: (1) 3D Printing and Materials Science in Orthoses, (2) Clinical Applications and Human Factors in Foot Orthoses, and (3) Biomechanics and Gait Analysis of Foot Orthoses. The future direction of research on 3D-printed foot orthoses focuses on the use of computer simulations such as finite element analysis to predict orthoses performance; the development of new materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and thermoplastic elastomer; exploration of wearable technology, especially through the integration of flexible sensors and wearable sensors on 3D-printed foot orthoses; optimization of fused deposition modeling methods and lattice structures to create better foot orthoses; and evaluation of comfort and testing based on experiments on humans and clinical trials. Moreover, research on orthotic applications for specific populations, including adolescents, children, and individuals with conditions such as stroke rehabilitation, cerebral palsy, diabetes, and flatfoot, remains relatively scarce, highlighting the need for further investigation in these areas. Conclusions: Bibliometric analysis provides valuable insights into research trends and future directions in 3D-printed foot orthoses, highlighting the optimization of manufacturing techniques, the development of new materials, and the integration of wearable technology for enhanced patient outcomes. Clinical Relevance: The use of 3D-printed foot orthoses is set to revolutionize foot care, offering personalized, precise interventions for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding current research trends and future directions can guide both clinicians and researchers in advancing the development of more effective, patient-centered solutions in the field of foot orthotics ( J Prosthet Orthot. 2026;XX:XX–XX).