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Current Issues in the Standardisation in the Measurement and Documentation of Human Skeletal Anatomy

Standards for digital modelling, measurement and dimensioning of objects are well established. The need for increased engagement with product designers within clinical contexts has been recently highlighted in the International Journal of Design (Driver, A., Peralta, C. and Moultrie, J., 2011). Digital modelling of human anatomy has become increasingly important and relies on well documented quantitative anatomy literature. This type of documentation is common for the spine and pelvis, however, significant issues exist due to the lack of standardisation in measurement and technique. There is inconsistency in anatomical terminology where independent researchers use the same terms to describe different anatomy and research has identified scaling related issues with current comparative anatomical studies (Frobin 2002). Published standards exist (BSI) for measurement of the human body regarding spatial interaction, anthropometric databases, automotive applications, clothing industries and for computer manikins but none exist for skeletal anatomy. Presentation of measurements often lack formal structure in clinical publications, seldom providing geometric reference points therefore making digital reconstruction difficult. Published quantitative data does not follow existing international standards for engineering drawing and visual communication. Variation exists in global coordinate system used across biomechanics, ergonomics and software systems. This research proposes new recommendations for an improved communication protocol to assist reconstruction of skeletal anatomy using 3D digital modeling, derived from design methodology. The Journal has a double blind peer review process, with international experts from a range of clinical expertise. The work has also been discussed with the British Standards Institute. A full standard was deemed not applicable however a Publicly Available Specification (PAC) would be appropriate due to its potential value to the research community and that process has commenced.