Design and production of personalized cervical orthosis using CAD/CAM systems

The aim of this work was to design and manufacture a personalized cervical orthosis using CAD/CAM systems through additive manufacturing technology. Cervical orthoses are practically used to ensure the stability of the cervical spine. The work was motivated by recent research into personalized orthoses made using additive manufacturing technologies. This study describes the methodology of 3D scanning the cervical area, CAD design, and CAM manufacturing of a personalized cervical orthosis. As a basis for modelling the orthosis, a 3D scan of the subject's head, neck, shoulders, and upper chest was obtained using an optical 3D scanner Artec Eva. The scan was processed in CAD software Meshmixer and served as a basis for the modelling of a personalized cervical orthosis, considering the support points. The orthosis was made by additive manufacturing technology Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) on a HP 5200 3D printer from biocompatible polymer PA12. The advantage of manufacturing a cervical orthosis using MJF technology is the individualized design, improved production efficiency, as well as increased quality and comfort in using the orthosis. It meets attributes such as copying the subject's morphology, airiness, lightness, and easy fastening.