Three-Dimensional (3D) Model-Based Lower Limb Stump Automatic Orientation

Modern prosthetics largely relies upon visual data processing and implementation technologies such as 3D scanning, mathematical modeling, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and 3D-printing during all stages from design to fabrication. Despite the intensive advancement of these technologies, once the prosthetic socket model is obtained by 3D scanning, its appropriate orientation and positioning remain largely the responsibility of an expert requiring substantial manual effort. In this paper, an automated orientation algorithm based on the adjustment of the 3D-model virtual anatomical axis of the tibia along with the vertical axis of the rectangular coordinates in three-dimensional space is proposed. The suggested algorithm is implemented, tested for performance and experimentally validated by explicit comparisons against an expert assessment.