Investigating the accuracy of smartphone photogrammetry for remote 3D scanning transtibial amputees.

Abstract

Capturing limb shape for amputees is critical in the fabrication and delivery of comfortable prosthetic limbs. Smartphone Photogrammetry offers a cheaper and more accessible alternative to digital shape capture than traditional handheld 3D scanners, opening possibilities for remote, or in home scanning. In this study we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of smartphone photogrammetry using a technique designed for in home scanning, comparing performance to an Einscan H2. The results indicated that photogrammetry was suitable accurate for scanning static limb targets (>95% volumetric accuracy), but was not accurate enough for direct amputee scanning (63.4% larger volumes). Whilst this technique was not sufficiently accurate for clinical use, the amputee surrogate trials did show increased accuracy, indicating the method shows promise and should be developed further, with a particular focus on home environment compatible techniques.