Development of a 3D scan posture-correction procedure to facilitate the direct-digital splinting approach

ABSTRACT

The direct-digital upper-limb orthopaedic splinting process employs portable 3D scanning systems to capture anatomical surface geometry. However, the resultant quality of a complete upper-limb scan geometry may be detrimentally affected by involuntary movements of an unsupported limb, and the inability to maintain the correct posture due to patient disability. The aim of this research study is to develop an upper-limb 3D scanning posture-correction procedure that addresses these limitations. The methodology covers four stages: (a) 3D scanning; (b) rigging; (c) posture correction; and (d) geometry inspection. Manual and semi-automated rigging procedures were developed to define segments and joints of the wrist on the upper-limb scans. A semi-automated definition was developed to precisely and repeatedly articulate the defined hand segment. To assess feasibility and accuracy of the developed posture-correction procedure, the hand segment on scans in neutral hand posture were articulated with the developed posture-correction procedure as closely as possible to the corresponding hand positions on the scans in extended hand postures. The reported virtual posture-correction procedure provides a basis for research into anatomy articulation and the optimisation of complex splints and orthoses.

KEYWORDS:

• 3D scanning
• 3D animation
• geometry manipulation
• splinting posture

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Ilja Asanovic received Master of Science degree in Biomechanical engineering in 2009 at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Ilja is a PhD researcher at University of Wales and his research is based in CBM – Wales Centre for Advanced Batch Manufacture. His research is focused on patient-specific orthoses design sequence optimisation utilising computer-aided design automation tools.

Dr Huw Millward is the Academic Director for the Wales Centre for Advanced Batch Manufacture (CBM). Huw has over 25 years’ experience of working at the interface between academia and industry. His work in healthcare innovation has included drug delivery technology, rehabilitation equipment and bespoke surgical models. These projects have ranged from partnerships with small university spin-outs through to consultancy for major pharmaceutical companies. In his current role at CBM, Huw is responsible for integrating research into the centre’s commercial and knowledge transfer activities. He takes an interdisciplinary approach to research; his research expertise and interests includes optimising additive-manufacturing technology, quantitative medical device risk assessment, and developing metrics for innovation management.

Professor Alan Lewis is a Research Professor at the University of Wales. He was formerly the Director of the National Centre for Product Design & Development Research (PDR) at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he also held the post of Dean of Research. At PDR, he worked with many companies across a variety of industry sectors, helping them improve their product development processes. He has a particular interest in the management of product design and development processes within the SME sector of the economy and has published widely in this field of research. He has extensive experience as an external in the validation and review of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the UK and overseas.