Single-arm tool for assessment of anomalous head posture

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Devices
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Anomalous head posture (AHP) assessment is vital for managing nystagmus and incomitant strabismus.
• Traditional tools like goniometers can be inaccurate due to complex alignment, while CROM devices are expensive.
• Existing digital solutions require costly hardware like iPhones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a low-cost, reliable, single-arm tool (SAT) for assessing AHP.
• To provide an accessible method for measuring head tilt, chin posture, and face turn.

Main Methods:

• Modified a clinometer into a SAT for measuring head tilt and chin posture using its gravitational reference.
• Adapted a compass into a SAT for face turn measurement, using the line of direction as a reference.
• Developed a do-it-yourself method for constructing and utilizing the SAT.

Main Results:

• The SAT is presented as a reliable and low-cost device for AHP measurement.
• The study demonstrates the method for creating and using the SAT for various AHP components.
• The SAT offers an innovative solution for accessible head posture assessment.

Conclusions:

• The single-arm tool (SAT) provides a reliable and cost-effective method for measuring anomalous head posture.
• This DIY approach democratizes AHP assessment, making it more accessible to clinicians and researchers.
• The SAT is a valuable tool for routine clinical practice and follow-up assessments in ophthalmology.