3DBODY.TECH 2021 - Paper 21.17

B. Stefanovic et al., "Custom Prosthetic Cover Development Methodology", Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH 2021 - 12th Int. Conf. and Exh. on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, Lugano, Switzerland, 19-20 Oct. 2021, #17, https://doi.org/10.15221/21.17.

Title:

Custom Prosthetic Cover Development Methodology

Authors:

Branko STEFANOVIC, Romana UHRINOVA, Monika MICHALIKOVA, Lucia BEDNARCIKOVA, Jozef ZIVCAK

Technical University of Kosice, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Measurement, Kosice, Slovakia

Abstract:

A prosthetic covers function is to protect other components of the prosthesis and to increase its service life, while also fulfilling its aesthetic function. Its primary purpose is to prevent damage to the functional parts of the prosthesis and to prevent the penetration of various impurities into these parts of the prosthesis. Its aesthetic function is no less important for the user because it increases his mental comfort, socialization and allows the user to adjust his prosthesis in a unique way.

For amputees, the aesthetic aspect of their lost limb is often important. Dissatisfaction with their appearance leads to loss of self-esteem and depression, which can cause dissatisfaction in people's quality of life and can even lead to the complete rejection or non-use of the prosthesis. To improve these requirements, a proposal was made to develop a custom lower limb prosthetic cover.

Currently, there are companies that provide designer covers made using AM (additive manufacturing) or plastic moulding. The disadvantage, however, is their high price. For this reason, a methodology for the individual lower limb prosthesis cover design is proposed. The main aim of this new design is to be financially inexpensive and suitable for mass production.

In the first step, a database of foreleg 3D scans, with adequate circumferential and length measurements has been created. The database consists of 17 scanned subjects, 11 female and 6 males from the age range of 18 to 70 years. Total of 34 forelegs (left and right) scans have been acquired. The emphasis during scanning was on the target placement and positioning of the foreleg. The second step was the cover size categories development. In this step, the design of sizes for serial production, sorting, and arrangement of measured values into groups was made. The classification was performed based on the measured values. The last step was the custom cover design process. This process consisted of CAD software design based on the data acquired from the 3D scanner and measurement gauges.

The result of this study is a methodology for the correct selection from the appropriate prosthetic cover size category. Based on the foreleg database creation, the cover sizes have been divided into 3 categories (small, medium, large). All models have been designed for simple AM production. In the future, correct material and AM technology selection will be performed.

Keywords:

Lower limb, foreleg, prosthetic cover, CAD/CAM, 3D scanning

Details:

Full paper: 2117stefanovic.pdf
Proceedings: 3DBODY.TECH 2021, 19-20 Oct. 2021, Lugano, Switzerland
Paper id#: 17
DOI: 10.15221/21.17
Presentation video: 3DBodyTech2021_17_Stefanovic.mp4

Copyright notice

© Hometrica Consulting - Dr. Nicola D'Apuzzo, Switzerland, hometrica.ch.
Reproduction of the proceedings or any parts thereof (excluding short quotations for the use in the preparation of reviews and technical and scientific papers) may be made only after obtaining the specific approval of the publisher. The papers appearing in the proceedings reflect the author's opinions. Their inclusion in these publications does not necessary constitute endorsement by the editor or by the publisher. Authors retain all rights to individual papers.


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