This project focuses on the exploration and development of an assistive device that allows the use of 3D scanning in the creation of personalized orthoses for spasticity patients.

Spasticity is the symptom of various neurological diseases and is characterized by a prolonged contraction of the muscles. For upper limb spasticity, this leads to patients’ hands being in a cramped position and are unable to move it into a desired position without external force. To prevent the spasticity to worsen over time, orthoses are used to stabilize the hand and stretch the muscles. Currently, the hand orthoses for spasticity are still being formed the traditional way: a long process of gypsum molding, casting and the forming of thermoplastic material.

Artus3D is a company that provides automated software to design and manufacture personalized hand orthoses from a single digital 3D scan of a hand. Due to the nature of spasticity, the hands need to be stretched into an open position before the 3D scanning is applicable. Together with Centrum Orthopedie, Artus3D is looking for a solution to stretch the hand and encorporate their 3D scanning & software technology into the design of spasticity orthoses. The problem consists of two parts: the orthosis design and the 3D scanning support. This project focuses on the 3D scanning support and the enabling of scanning spastic hands.

The 3D scanning support keeps the spastic hand in a stable position and is designed for patient visits in the orthopaedic context. It uses a ball joint and a sliding joint in order to constrain the hand in the desired position. It is usable up to MAS 3 spasticity and has been designed to fit the 5th to 95th percentile of the population. The design follows the shape of the hand, keeps clear of important areas near the thumb, base of the hand and limits the amount of material at the lower arm. This is done with the intent of capturing as much information in the 3D scan as possible, while keeping high usability for the orthopaedic technologist and comfort for the patient.