Abstract

A customized method and apparatus for the design and manufacture of a prosthesis utilizing optical surface mapping of the patient's residuum while the residuum is under pressure; conventional positioning software followed by other conventional software to produce a three dimensional representation; and utilizing conventional CAD/CAM procedures for further design modification and fabrication of the prosthesis. In the preferred embodiment, uniform and non-uniform elevated air pressures are used to simulate the shape that the residuum will take when the patient is walking. To accomplish this the patient's residuum is inserted into a pressure chamber that can be sealed around the patient's upper leg. Alternatively or in combination with the pressure within the chamber, a rubber sock or band may be used to apply pressure to selected areas of the residuum. Also located within the chamber is the equipment used to optically measure the residuum while it is under pressure. The preferred method and apparatus includes the utilization of a pulsed laser ranging system with movable ring mirrors to locate focal points along the residuum for the scan.