摘要 |
An improved three-dimensional, support socket digitizing system to be used primarily to manufacture a precisely configured clinical support device such as an orthotic brace and/or a prosthetic limb. The digitizing system includes at least one probe which is positioned on at least two skeletal landmark points of a body part to be supported, the probe including an exterior housing of known dimensions and being structured to have a position element disposed therein. The position element is structured to provide specific six-degree of freedom position and orientation information relative to a reference element which is also included in the digitizing system. As such, the specific position the probe relative to the reference element, and therefore the specific three dimensional spacial position of the skeletal landmark points, are determined for comparison with one another and for comparison with predefined landmark points of a predefined, three dimensional, support template having a standard configuration. The information regarding the relative positioning is then used to modify the support template and effectively define a structure of the clinical support device which precisely corresponds the body part to be supported by the clinical support device.
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