Frank Friddle
President
Friddle's Orthopedic AppliancesHonea Path, SC
Frank has been using the Canfit™ Software since 1992.
1. Approximately how long did it take you to adjust to the Canfit P&O software.
Was it a slow learning curve, or did you find the software was easy to use?
“When you make the financial decision to go with CAD/CAM you must also make a commitment to use the system. I downloaded versions on my laptop and "practiced" at home during the evenings. I was competent with the software in less than 1 week. Naturally, as time went on I became faster and learned ‘short cuts’. “
2. In terms of production, how long does it take you to do an average design using the
Canfit software? How long did it take you using the hands-on method?
“Our decision for CAD/CAM was made because of the large number of spinal cases we were doing at that time. Our hands-on method for scoliosis took about
4.5 hours (cast preparation, cast pouring, drying, negative cast stripping, modification and preparation for vacuum forming. It now takes me 15 minutes to accomplish the same tasks.”
3. Looking back, approximately how many orthoses were produced per month using the hands on method? ... and presently (using the Canfit software) - how many orthoses are produced monthly?
“When we initially bought the system, we were doing 60 cases per month by hand. Once we went with Vorum, we went up to 200 cases per month. Since then, we have dropped off since there are so many "off the shelf" spinal systems and many more central fabrication companies with "garage" type overhead. We currently produce about 30 spinal cases and 100 Transfemoral check sockets per month.”
“If your customer has any desire to contact me, feel free to give him my contact information. He may think of other questions that come to mind.”
Frank Friddle
Friddle's Orthopedic Appliances