ABSTRACT
Objective To report the design and manufacture of a novel orientation device of elbow rotation center.Methods The anatomical data of distal humeral elbow were obtained from 3 reports on the anatomy of the distal humerus retrieved from CNKI from 2004 through 2014.Software UGS.0 NX,CAD/CAM animation and video were used to design the 3D model of our novel orientation device of elbow rotation center.The glass fiber physical model of the device was manufactured using 3D printing technology.Five healthy volunteers were recruited for a simulated surgery experiment to test the efficacy and accuracy of the device,including 4 males and 1 female,from 25 to 36 years of age.Results No change was observed before and after the device was disinfected regarding the length (129 mm),width (116 mm) or height (215 mm),or other shapes.Satisfactory X-ray images of the elbow were obtained in the 5 volunteers.The fluoroscopy frequency required ranged from 6 to 11 times,averaging 8.2 times.The time needed for orientation ranged from 442.2 to 554 seconds,averaging 489.2 seconds.Conclusions Our self-designed orientation device can be used to accurately position and orientate the rotation center of elbow joint,showing its reasonable design.Glass fiber materials can be used to manufacture our orientation device.