A review of existing anatomical data capture methods to support the mass customisation of wrist splints

Abstract

Anatomical data acquisition methods used within medicine exhibit various strengths and weaknesses, particularly with regards to accuracy, resolution, patient comfort and safety. Difficulties with data acquisition of wrist and hand geometry are often underestimated, and a suitable method is yet to be identified and standardised to capture skin surface topography to support the mass customisation of wrist splints. The aim of this investigation is to identify a suitable data acquisition method, capable of digitising collected data of the wrist and hand, for manipulation and conversion into a suitable file format to create customised wrist splints using additive manufacturing. Literature suggests that scanning inanimate objects such as plaster casts using multiple three-dimensional laser scanners can provide adequate quality scans with suitable accuracy and resolution, with low cost and low risk to the patient. However, post processing would be required to create a “watertight” digital model suitable for additive manufacturing.

Keywords:

• additive manufacturing
• mass customisation
• data acquisition
• splints
• orthotics

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Loughborough University for funding the research described. Figure 2 has been reproduced with the permission of Michael Raphael at Direct Dimensions, Inc. Figure 3 was kindly provided with the permission of Gavin Williams at Loughborough University. Special thanks to Ella Donnison and Lucia Ramsey for their help, advice and contribution.