Development of Ankle foot orthosis design support system -Evaluation of lower limb and Ankle foot orthosis design -

Abstract

Ankle foot orthosis (AFO) is produced by modifying a positive plaster model. Because the modification is made by prosthetists' hand, the compatibility to the patient depends on the experience of prosthetists. The objective of the study is to develop an AFO design support system that enables manufacturing of highly compatible orthosis in a short term. The positive before and after modification were measured by 3D scanner. After defining the spline curve that go through the center of measured data from the top of lower thigh to toe, cross sectional data vertical to the spline curve were obtained. Obtained data were also approximated by spline and sectional curve is defined. By comparing the curve and area surrounded by the curve, the amount of modification were evaluated. In addition, the position of trim line used to generate orthosis shape was also able to define in each sectional curve.