Issues and themes in computer aided design for external prosthetics and orthotics.

Computer aided design systems are finding use in prosthetics and orthotics in the production of customized components to match to and support body segments. Such systems consist essentially at present of shape measurement, computer manipulation of shape, and manufacture of the support surface or its mould. General themes of design philosophy, relationship of shape and pressure for body segments, representation and presentation of shape information by computer, surface adjustments, measurements and manufacturing geometry are considered. Aspects of existing systems are presented to highlight issues which may be the subject of future developments.