3D Scanning and design platform for lower limb prosthesis

Both 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies are increasingly common nowadays and they are used in many different fields. In this research work, we pay attention on exploiting these technologies into medical fields in which the use of prosthesis is required. In particular, we propose an innovative system that is able to emulate the traditional manufacturing process for lower limb prosthesis. In this application, the most important and crucial step of prosthesis project is the design of the socket. The socket is the most customizable part and, thus, its shape is defined according to the shape of residual limb as well as other parameters relative to anthropometric patient’s data and life style. In this paper, firstly we introduce the most important features about both 3D scanning and 3D printing. Then, these technologies are described according to the socket design for lower limb prosthesis. Finally, preliminary results reached so far are presented and discussed.