Orthotics & Prosthetics: CAD/CAM
Our team of specialists at the University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center utilize computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system to design and fabricate orthotic and prosthetic devices.
The system is comprised of:
- Digitizer - which traces a shape and converts it into digital information
- Workstation - with TracerCad software used to modify the three-dimensional shape.
- Carver - carves the shape with a high speed cutter
The CAD/CAM system dramatically changes the way orthotic and prosthetic devices are manufactured and speeds the process. The design and manufacturing procedure is more precise and efficient, and out turn around time has improved.
An example of increasing our productivity is comparing the usual procedure of transporting, filling, and building custom body jackets (TLSO) versus utilizing the CAD/CAM system. Previously the body mold would be given to technicians who would close and fill it with plaster. These castings would sometimes weigh over 250 lbs! The mold would then be stripped and the casting modified. Using CAD/CAM we now digitize the mold or create the shape from measurements on the CAD/CAM system and electronically send the file to the manufacturing location. A model is then carved out of a lightweight foam. The orthosis is then fabricated. If the situation warranted, a mold could be taken and the patient fit with the final orthosis within a five hour period.
Prosthetically, patients can be provided with test sockets within a manner of 30 to 40 minutes. The mold taken, digitized and electronically modified and then sent to the carver. The carver cuts the socket design from a plaster and starch block using a large drill bit. Once carved, the model is sent tot he technicians for fabrication. The patient could take the preparatory socket home with him or her the same afternoon. The patient's records are stored electronically for future reference and the file can be easily modified in the future to provide patients with the best possible fit over time.
Shape modification using the CAD/CAM system is done with the click of a mouse versus the mixing and applying of plaster and then waiting for the plaster to set. Measurements are better quantified (i.e. the computer can calculate residual limb volumes in "cc's") which can be useful fin research or justifying the need for a replacement due to volume changes.
This technology allows O&P clinicians to solve the age old problems of persons with disabilities with a greater degree of precision. More importantly, CAD/CAM technology has reduced the fabrication time for what has always been seen as a labor intensive process, thus allowing the clinicians more revenue producing time and better quality time with their patients.
