Clinical analysis of a CAD/CAM system for custom seating : A comparison with hand-sculpting methods

A CAD/ CAMsystem for manufacturing custom seating inserts was evaluated within a moderately to severely disabled population. Using the Otto Bock Shape System, 25 CAD/ CAMseats were manufactured at a remote facility and compared to 9 seats manufactured using hand-sculpting techniques. Clinician and client questionnaires were completed for each seat to assess satisfaction, fitting/manufacturing times, and to collect demographic data. The CAD/ CAMmethod was significantly better (p<0.05) than the hand-sculpting method in terms of on-site fabrication time. No significant differences were found for initial fitting time, final fitting time, clinician insert rating, and client satisfaction. These results support the CAD/ CAMmethod as an effective and clinically efficient technique for making custom wheelchairseats.