title: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in prosthetics.
abstract: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems for the design and manufacture of limb prostheses have recently become commercially available. However, rigorous evaluations of these systems have not been performed to determine whether they produce sockets that fit as well as or better than sockets made using conventional design methods. A controlled evaluation protocol, in which computer-designed sockets are compared with conventionally designed sockets, has been developed and pilot tested at the authors' facility. A full trial of one of the commercially available systems for transtibial sockets is currently in progress. In preliminary findings, the CAD/CAM socket was preferred by one-half of the first 20 subjects. During the course of this trial, it was noted that the CAD/CAM technique seems to be better suited to some prosthetists than others.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Studies in Aging, Sunnybrook Medical Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Topper
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Fernie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016037:Single-Blind Method