3D arm scan: how does it work?

• In short

  A 3D arm scan lets healthcare professionals capture the upper limb’s morphology directly from a smartphone, using MyFit mobile photogrammetry. This approach replaces the tape measure or plaster cast for designing custom orthoses, prostheses, or compression sleeves, with data immediately usable in orthopedic CAD software.

A 3D arm scan is part of a broader shift toward digitizing measurement in orthotics, alongside 3D wrist scanning or the design of custom rigid orthoses.

Why scan an arm in 3D?

A 3D arm scan makes it possible to model the anatomical shape of the upper limb, from the shoulder to the wrist, including the elbow and forearm. This capture is useful for:

• designing custom arm orthoses (elbow splints, wrist orthoses, humeroradial orthoses);
• manufacturing transhumeral or transradial prostheses;
• recommending compression sleeves or other arm devices;
• tracking the progression of an arm condition (edema, muscle atrophy, trauma).

Unlike traditional methods (tape measure, plaster cast), mobile 3D scanning is non-invasive and integrates directly into orthotic design software.

Tape measure, plaster cast, or 3D arm scan: what’s the difference?

Criteria	Tape measure / plaster cast	MyFit mobile 3D scanning
Required equipment	Tape measure, plaster, bandages	None, just the smartphone camera
Patient comfort	Prolonged physical contact (casting)	No casting, fast
Measurement reliability	Depends on the operator	Guided by the app, reproducible
Remote capability	No	Possible
Data obtained	Measurements or physical mold	3D model + digital measurements
CAD integration	Manual	Direct, .stl/.obj formats

How does a 3D arm scan work?

• Step 1: download the scanning app

  The professional downloads a mobile 3D scanning app compatible with iOS and Android. The My3D Scanner app makes it possible to scan the arm, wrist, elbow, or the entire upper limb.

• Step 2: prepare the scanning environment

  Even lighting, with no shadows or reflective surfaces nearby, makes capture easier. The patient stays still, with the arm relaxed or extended as needed (arm at the side, raised, or bent for an elbow scan).

• Step 3: capture the arm in 3D

  The scan is performed using the smartphone’s rear camera, which automatically captures a series of images around the arm. These photos are processed using MyFit mobile photogrammetry to generate a 3D model of the upper limb.

• Step 4: retrieve and use the 3D model

  The 3D model is available immediately in the app or on the MyFit Solutions web platform. It can be exported in .stl or .obj format and integrates directly into orthotic CAD software, or for 3D printing an orthosis or prosthesis.

What are the use cases for 3D arm scanning in orthotics?

Designing custom orthoses and prostheses

Mobile 3D scanning captures the full morphology of the upper limb, making it easier to model devices adapted to each patient.

• Arm orthoses: for the elbow, wrist, hand, or the whole arm, 3D scanning delivers a faithful result for designing stabilization, correction, or support orthoses fitted to the patient’s actual anatomy.
• Transhumeral and transradial prostheses: for amputee patients, 3D scanning provides the data needed to manufacture a custom prosthesis, regardless of the amputation level.
• Post-surgical orthoses: following surgery or trauma to the upper limb, a 3D model of the arm makes it possible to quickly design containment or immobilization devices.

Recommending compression sleeves and garments

3D arm scanning provides reproducible measurements, useful for recommending compression devices fitted to the patient’s morphology.

• Compression sleeves for lymphedema: a well-fitted sleeve supports lymphatic drainage and helps limit associated pain.
• Post-surgical sleeves: following arm or shoulder surgery, or a mastectomy, compression sleeves help reduce swelling and support healing.
• Medical compression garments: used notably in post-burn scar management, these garments require a precise fit to the arm’s morphology.
  

Morphology tracking during rehabilitation

3D arm scanning can support tracking upper limb rehabilitation:

• monitoring the progression of post-traumatic or post-surgical edema, to adjust compression devices;
• assessing muscle atrophy, asymmetry, or functional recovery;
• keeping regular 3D models on file for long-term tracking.

FAQ