BackgroundObjective assessment methods to monitor residual limb volume following lower-limb amputation are required to enhance practitioner-led prosthetic fitting. Computer aided systems, including 3D scanners, present numerous advantages and the recent Artec Eva scanner, based on laser free technology, could potentially be an effective solution for monitoring residual limb volumes.PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Artec Eva scanner (practical measurement) against a high precision laser 3D scanner (criterion measurement) for the determination of residual limb model shape and volume.MethodsThree observers completed three repeat assessments of ten residual limb models, using both the scanners. Validity of the Artec Eva scanner was assessed (mean percentage error <2%) and Bland-Altman statistics were adopted to assess the agreement between the two scanners. Intra and inter-rater reliability (repeatability coefficient <5%) of the Artec Eva scanner was calculated for measuring indices of residual limb model volume and shape (i.e. residual limb cross sectional areas and perimeters).ResultsResidual limb model volumes ranged from 885 to 4399 ml. Mean percentage error of the Artec Eva scanner (validity) was 1.4% of the criterion volumes. Correlation coefficients between the Artec Eva and the Romer determined variables were higher than 0.9. Volume intra-rater and inter-rater reliability coefficients were 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Shape percentage maximal error was 2% at the distal end of the residual limb, with intra-rater reliability coefficients presenting the lowest errors (0.2%), both for cross sectional areas and perimeters of the residual limb models.ConclusionThe Artec Eva scanner is a valid and reliable method for assessing residual limb model shapes and volumes. While the method needs to be tested on human residual limbs and the results compared with the current system used in clinical practice, it has the potential to quantify shape and volume fluctuations with greater resolution.

Background:Objective and reliable methods are necessary to monitor and manage amputee residuum shape and volume and design prosthetic residuum-prosthesis interfaces. Portable 3D scanners are potential solutions for digitally recording the amputee residuum characteristics.Objective:To investigate test-operator reliability when measuring lower limb residuum shape and volume using two different types of 3D laser-free scanners compared with tape measurements generally adopted in clinic.Study design:Ten lower limb amputees took part in this study. Residuum volume, cross sectional areas, and perimeter lengths were measured by three different operators on three different occasions using two types of 3D scanners (Artec Eva scanner and OMEGA Scanner 3D) and circumferential measurements.Methods:Variance components, intraclass correlation coefficients and intra-rater and inter-rater reliability coefficients were calculated for all measurement conditions.Results:Residuum volume outputs ranged from 569 to 3115 mL. The factor contributing mostly to the residuum volume error variance was the shape of the residuum (75.85%). Volume intraclass correlation coefficients for both intra-rater and inter-rater reliability exceeded 0.9 for all three conditions. Volume reliability coefficients ranged from 70.68 mL (Artec Eva intra-rater reliability) to 256.85 mL (circumferential measurements inter-rater reliability). Shape relative error reached the highest values for the circumferential measurements (>10% for the cross-sectional areas and >5% for the perimeters).Conclusions:The Artec Eva scanner resulted in the lowest test-operator reliability coefficients. However, both investigated scanners are a potential alternative for measuring small and macroscopic changes in residuum characteristics.