Instrument Design Research Articles

Cost-Efficient Oceanographic Instrument with Microfabricated Sensors for Measuring Conductivity, Temperature and Depth of Seawater.

The design, fabrication and characterization of a cost-efficient oceanographic instrument with microfabricated sensors for measuring conductivity, temperature and depth of seawater are presented. Conductivity and temperature sensors were fabricated using MEMS technology, which allows for customized small footprints and low production costs. Dedicated electronics for reading, processing and storing acquired sensor data are described. The developed instrument enables the measurement of seawater conductivity in a range from 4 mS/cm to 70 mS/cm. The conductivity measurement is temperature-compensated in the range from 2 °C to 40 °C, with an accuracy of ±0.1 mS/cm. The temperature sensor's stability is 0.025 °C. The depth/pressure measurement range is up to 2000 m/200 bar, with a resolution of 0.1 bar. Temperature and conductivity sensor performance was assessed using laboratory equipment and designed electronics. The conductivity sensor was temperature-compensated to 0.01 mS/cm. The conductivity sensor electrode corrosion effect is presented below and was eliminated through adaptation of a signal acquisition circuit. Custom software was developed for monitoring critical conductivity sensor parameters (currents, voltages). A variation of 0.4% between cell conductance currents and voltages was established as a criterion for stable conductivity sensor operation.

Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in surveys: insights from a patient-engaged study to assess long COVID health-care needs in Brazil

Background and ObjectiveLong COVID (LC) refers to persistent symptoms after acute COVID-19 infection, which may persist for months or years. LC affects millions of people globally, with substantial impacts on quality of life, employment, and social participation. Ensuring access to effective, patient-centered care for LC demands evidence, grounded in inclusive representation of those affected by the condition. Yet survey studies frequently under-represent people with the most disabling disease presentations and racially and socioeconomically marginalized groups. We aimed to describe a patient-engaged approach to developing a survey to inform public LC health care and to assess its implementation in terms of enabling participation by diverse LC patients in Brazil. MethodsSurvey development was iterative, achieved through an interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers including people living with LC, and grounded in 3 guiding principles: (1) evidence-based; (2) inclusive, intersectional, and patient-centered understanding of chronic illness and research participation; and (3) sensitivity to the context of health-care access. ResultsThe product of our collaboration was a longitudinal survey using a questionnaire assessing: LC symptoms; their clinical and functional evolution; and impacts on quality of life, household income, health service access, utilization, and out-of-pocket expenses. We illustrate how we operationalized our 3 principles through survey content, instrument design, and administration. Six hundred fifty-one participants with diverse LC symptoms, demography, and socioeconomic status completed the survey. We successfully included participants experiencing disabling symptoms, Black and mixed race participants, and those with lower education and income. ConclusionBy centering patient experience, our novel, principles-based approach succeeded in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in LC survey research. These principles guiding patient-engaged collaboration have broad transferability. We encourage survey researchers working on chronic illness and in other contexts of marginalization and inequality to adopt them.

Design and optimization of THz coupling in zirconia MAS rotors for dynamic nuclear polarization NMR

We present 3D electromagnetic simulations of the coupling of a 250 GHz beam to the sample in a 380 MHz DNP NMR spectrometer. To obtain accurate results for magic angle spinning (MAS) geometries, we first measured the complex dielectric constants of zirconia, sapphire, and the sample matrix material (DNP juice) from room temperature down to cryogenic temperatures and from 220 to 325 GHz with a VNA and up to 1 THz with a THz TDS system. Simulations of the coupling to the sample were carried out with the ANSYS HFSS code as a function of the rotor wall material (zirconia or sapphire), the rotor wall thickness, and the THz beam focusing (lens or no lens). For a zirconia rotor, the B1 field in the sample was found to be strongly dependent on the rotor wall thickness, which is attributed to the high refractive index of zirconia. The optimum thickness of the wall is likely due to a transmission maximum but is offset from the thickness predicted by a simple calculation for a flat slab of the wall material. The B1 value was found to be larger for a sapphire rotor than for a zirconia rotor for all cases studied. The results found in this work provide new insights into the coupling of THz radiation to the sample and should lead to improved designs of future DNP NMR instrumentation.

How to Prevent Nerve Root Injury in Uniportal Full Endoscopic Lumbar Fusion Surgery? Insights From a Cadaveric Anatomic Study With Simulation Surgery.

The study included 2 fresh-frozen cadavers. To elucidate the positional relationship between surgical instruments and nerve roots during full endoscopic facet-sparing (FE fs-TLIF) and full endoscopic facet-resecting (FE fr-TLIF) transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion and propose safe instrumentation insertion procedures and recommend cage glider designs aimed at protecting nerve roots. Endoscopic surgical techniques are increasingly used for minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery, with FE fr-TLIF and FE fs-TLIF being common approaches. However, the risk of nerve root injury remains a significant concern during these procedures. Eight experienced endoscopic spine surgeons performed uniportal FE fr-TLIF and FE fs-TLIF on cadaveric lumbar spines, totaling 16 surgeries. Postoperation, soft tissues were removed to assess the positional relationship between the cage entry point and nerve roots. Distances between the cage entry point, traversing nerve root, and exiting nerve root were measured. Safe instrumentation design and insertion procedures were determined. In FE fr-TLIF, the mean distance between the cage entry point and traversing nerve root was significantly shorter compared with FE fs-TLIF (3.30 ± 1.35 vs . 8.58 ± 2.47mm, respectively; P < 0.0001). Conversely, the mean distance between the cage entry point and the exiting nerve root was significantly shorter in FE fs-TLIF compared with FE fr-TLIF (3.73 ± 1.97 vs . 6.90 ± 1.36mm, respectively; P < 0.0001). For FE fr-TLIF, prioritizing the protection of the traversing root using a 2-bevel tip cage glider was crucial. In contrast, for FE fs-TLIF, a single-bevel tip cage glider placed in the caudal location was recommended. This study elucidates the anatomic relationship between cage entry points and nerve roots in uniportal endoscopic lumbar fusion surgery. Protection strategies should prioritize the traversing root in FE fr-TLIF and the exiting root in FE fs-TLIF, with corresponding variations in surgical techniques. Level V.

Examining the psychometric properties of the Columbia Speech Quality Instrument in cochlear implant users

ObjectiveAlthough speech recognition among cochlear implant (CI) users improved over the past few decades, many still report poor speech quality. Currently, there is no validated tool to measure speech quality. The objective was to examine whether a previously validated speech quality tool is applicable in the CI population using psychometric analysis.DesignCross-sectional psychometric analysis of the Columbia Speech Quality Instrument (CSQI; previously validated in normal-hearing individuals; consists of 2 original and 7 manipulated speech clips designed to accentuate selected speech characteristics) was performed in adult English-speaking CI recipients (N = 36). Subjects rated each clip using a visual analog scale (VAS) on 14 characteristics: cartoonish/not-cartoonish, clear/unclear, like/dislike, breathy/not-breathy, smooth/rough, echo-y/not-echo-y, tinny/bassy, soothing/not-soothing, natural/unnatural, mechanical/not-mechanical, hoarse/smooth, pleasant/unpleasant, male/female, and speech-like/not-speech-like. Main outcome measures included validity, reliability, and factor structure.ResultsContent validity was previously confirmed during instrument design. Construct validity by item-item correlation analysis demonstrated correlation of 12/14 items with ≥1 other retained item (r ≥ 0.35, Spearman). Reliability was confirmed by internal consistency; factor analysis using two subsets selected by Scree plot and factor loading ≥0.4 demonstrated Cronbach alpha coefficients of 0.89 and 0.74 for factors 1 and 2, respectively. Tinny/bassy and male/female were the only characteristics that did not pass construct validity or internal consistency.ConclusionsThe CSQI has strong psychometric properties in the CI population; however, our findings support removal of tinny/bass and male/female characteristics from the final instrument prior to implementation in the CI population. The CSQI can be utilized in cochlear implantees to investigate effects of changes in speech processing strategies and postoperative outcomes with different devices.

3D ground-penetrating radar data analysis and interpretation using attributes based on the gradient structure tensor

In near-surface geophysics, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys are routinely used in a variety of applications including those from archaeology, civil engineering, hydrology, and soil science. Thanks to recent technical developments in GPR instrumentation and antenna design, 3D surveys comprising several hundred thousand traces can be performed daily. Especially in complex environments such as sedimentary systems, analyzing and interpreting the resulting GPR volumes is a time-consuming and laborious task that is still largely performed manually. In the past few decades, several data attributes have been developed to guide and improve such tasks and assure a higher degree of reproducibility in the resulting interpretations. Many of these attributes have been developed in image processing or computer vision and are routinely used, for example, in reflection seismic data interpretation. Especially in sedimentary systems, variations in the subsurface are accompanied by variations of GPR reflections in terms of the amplitudes, continuity, and geometry in view of the dip angle and direction. A promising tool to analyze such structural features is known as the gradient structure tensor (GST). To date, the application of the GST approach has been limited to a few 2D GPR examples. Thus, we take the basic idea of GST analysis and introduce and evaluate the corresponding attributes to analyze 3D GPR data. We apply our GST approach to one synthetic and two field data sets imaging diverse sedimentary structures. Our results demonstrate that our set of GST-based attributes can be efficiently computed in three dimensions and that these attributes represent versatile measures to address different typical interpretation tasks and, thus, help for an efficient, reproducible, and more objective interpretation of 3D GPR data.

PENGEMBANGAN KUESIONER KEBUTUHAN DAN HAMBATAN PENERAPAN ETIKET OBAT BERBASIS BRAILE

Indonesia has around 1.5% or more than 3.75 million blind people. Of concern is that people with visual impairment are at high risk of medication errors. Even though there are many solutions for implementing Braille labels in daily practice, there are not many agencies that provide this service. Therefore, it is necessary to have an instrument that can measure the needs and barriers to implementing Braille etiquette. The research includes developing an instrument to measure the needs and barriers to implementing Braille etiquette in pharmaceutical services. The research instrument developed was a questionnaire with the name EKREB, which is an acronym for "Evaluation of Braille Etiquette Needs and Barriers". The development of the questionnaire went through the instrument design stages which included planning, construction, reliability testing and validity testing. The total number of EKREB questionnaire design items was 23 items which were then distributed online. The testing involved 30 respondents consisting of 11 undergraduate pharmacy students, 8 pharmaceutical technical staff, and 11 pharmacists in the Situbondo area. Of the 20 items tested, the Crobach's Alpha value obtained was 0.908 (0.6) so a decision could be made that the questionnaire was declared reliable and entered the high reliability category. The results of the Pearson Product Moment test have a sig value. From each questionnaire item obtained 0.05 so that the questionnaire items are declared valid. Based on the research results that have been obtained, it can be concluded that the results of the development of the EKREB questionnaire are declared as valid and reliable instruments to be used as data collection tools for evaluating needs and barriers to service implementation. Braille labels in clinical-community pharmacy practice.

Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers: Current Trends in Synthesis, Surface Modification, and Biomedical Applications.

Electrospun polymeric nanofibers are essential in various fields for various applications because of their unique properties. Their features are similar to extracellular matrices, which suggests them for applications in healthcare fields, such as antimicrobials, tissue engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, bone regeneration, and biosensors. This review focuses on the synthesis of electrospun polymeric nanofibers, their surface modification, and their biomedical applications. Nanofibers can be fabricated from both natural and synthetic polymers and their composites. Even though they mimic extracellular matrices, their surface features (physicochemical characteristics) are not always capable of fulfilling the purpose of the target application. Therefore, they need to be improved via surface modification techniques. Both needle-based and needleless electrospinning are thoroughly discussed. Various techniques and setups employed in each method are also reviewed. Furthermore, pre- and postspinning modification approaches for electrospun nanofibers, including instrument design and the modification features for targeted biomedical applications, are also extensively discussed. In this way, the remarkable potential of electrospun polymeric nanofibers can be highlighted to reveal future research directions in this dynamic field.

Effect of Cross-Sectional Designs of Different Ni-Ti Files on Shaping Ability After Repeated Usage in Simulated Root Canals.

Background and Objective: The study aimed was to compare the effect of cross-sectional designs of five rotary systems (One Curve, 2Shape, K3-i File, E3 Azure, Neolix), on the shaping ability of the files in simulated resin blocks under controlled conditions with five repeated use. The shaping ability of the files includes the following variables: (1) Longitudinal sectional area difference, (2) Canal wall surface area difference, (3) Canal volume difference, (4) SMI (structure material index) difference, (5) Cross-sectional area difference. Methods: Five rotary file systems: (1) One Curve, (2) 2Shape, (3) K3-i File, (4) E3 Azure, (5) Neolix, were tested in simulated J-shaped root canal resin blocks with a 45˚ angle of curvature. 10 files from each system, each one of the 10 files were used to prepare 5 resin blocks, named R1-R2-R3-R4-R5. All the used files from the 5 systems had tip size 25 diameter, and taper (6%), and length (25 mm). The first 4 rotary systems were used with a fixed speed (350 rpm), and fixed torque (3 Ncm), except for the fifth system which was used with a speed of (500 rpm), and torque (4 Ncm), Following the manufactural recommendation of each system. All the 250 resin blocks were prepared for Glide Path with manual reamers size 10, and 15, with a fixed working length 16 mm, then all the 250 samples were prepared with a Proglider rotary file from Dentsply (size 16 taper 3%), then finally were prepared with Edge Files (USA), with size 20 and taper 6%, reaching to the step of master preparation with the selected files of the 5 systems. Using a customized device for preparation to ensure fixed vertical force and to exclude any lateral force, preparation was done with EDTA solution as irrigation, with a fixed no. of 4 strokes for the first 5 systems and 9 strokes for the Neolix, the time was controlled by using a Metronome, each stroke duration was 6 seconds. Results: In the first, second, third, and fourth variables a statistically non-significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) was found between One curve and 2Shape, a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) was found between One Curve, K3-i File, E3 Azure, and Neolix. About the fifth variable which is the Cross-sectional area difference: the study compared the difference between the cross-section area of the canal at the point D8, comparing the cross-section area before and after preparation using ANOVA test and Post hoc test, a statistically significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) was found between the Neolix and (2shape, K3 i-File, and E3 Azure). Conclusion: The cross-sectional design of the endodontic rotary instrument had an obvious effect on the shaping ability of the system. Keywords: Cross-sectional design, Shaping ability, Nickle Titanium rotary files (One Curve, 2Shape, K3-i File, E3 Azure, Neolix).

Optical Sensing of Tissue Freezing Depth by Sapphire Cryo-Applicator and Steady-State Diffuse Reflectance Analysis.

This work describes a sapphire cryo-applicator with the ability to sense tissue freezing depth during cryosurgery by illumination of tissue and analyzing diffuse optical signals in a steady-state regime. The applicator was manufactured by the crystal growth technique and has several spatially resolved internal channels for accommodating optical fibers. The method of reconstructing freezing depth proposed in this work requires one illumination and two detection channels. The analysis of the detected intensities yields the estimation of the time evolution of the effective attenuation coefficient, which is compared with the theoretically calculated values obtained for a number of combinations of tissue parameters. The experimental test of the proposed applicator and approach for freezing depth reconstruction was performed using gelatin-based tissue phantom and rat liver tissue in vivo. It revealed the ability to estimate depth up to 8 mm. The in vivo study confirmed the feasibility of the applicator to sense the freezing depth of living tissues despite the possible diversity of their optical parameters. The results justify the potential of the described design of a sapphire instrument for cryosurgery.

An evaluation of microphysics in a numerical model using Doppler velocity measured by ground-based radar for application to the EarthCARE satellite

Abstract. The Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR) of the Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) has a new capability to observe the Doppler velocity related to the vertical air motion of the terminal velocity of hydrometeors. The new observation from space will be used to evaluate and improve the model. Before the launch of EarthCARE, we need to develop a methodology for using the CPR data for model evaluations. In this study, we evaluated simulated data by a stretched version of the global non-hydrostatic model over Japan with a ground-based CPR using an instrument design similar to the EarthCARE CPR. We chose two cases with different precipitation events in September 2019 using two cloud microphysics schemes. We introduced the categorization method for evaluating microphysics using Doppler velocity. The results show that the liquid and solid phases of hydrometeors are divided in Doppler velocity, and the model's terminal velocities of rain, snow, and graupel categories can be evaluated with the observation. The results also show that the choice of microphysics scheme has a more significant impact than the dependence on precipitation cases. We discussed the application of the EarthCARE-like simulation results using a satellite simulator.

Assessing the Efficacy of Language Assessment Tools in Educational Settings

Language assessment plays a pivotal role in evaluating learners’ language proficiency and informing educational practices. This paper provides a comprehensive review of international standards guiding the assessment of language proficiency in educational settings. Drawing upon established frameworks such as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) proficiency guidelines, this review examines the key principles, methodologies, and criteria for assessing the efficacy of language assessment tools. It explores the importance of validity, reliability, authenticity, and practicality in the design and implementation of language assessment instruments. Furthermore, it discusses the significance of considering socio-cultural and contextual factors in ensuring the fairness and equity of language assessment practices. The review also highlights emerging trends and challenges in language assessment, including the integration of technology and the need for continuous professional development for assessors. By synthesizing international standards and best practices, this paper offers valuable insights for educators, assessment specialists, and policymakers striving to enhance the quality and effectiveness of language assessment in educational contexts.

Design and Development Of Musical Instruments from Recycled Materials for the Elderly in Phitsanulok Province In the Northern Part Of Thailand

This research project explores the creative potential and sustainable innovation of designing and developing musical instruments using recycled materials, specifically focusing on involving the elderly community. In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, and the elderly population is often overlooked in creative endeavors, this study aims to bridge these two aspects, offering a unique and inclusive approach to music and recycling. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the feasibility of using recycled materials to construct functional and aesthetically pleasing musical instruments while actively engaging the elderly, music experts, geriatric specialists, product design experts, and technicians in the design and development process. By leveraging their accumulated knowledge, wisdom, and artistic sensibilities, this project seeks to empower and enrich the lives of the elderly while contributing to reducing waste and environmental conservation. Results indicate that the elderly participants derive numerous physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits from their involvement in the project, including enhanced motor skills, cognitive stimulation, and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the musical instruments produced demonstrate impressive innovation, sound quality, and aesthetics, underlining the viability of using recycled materials in the design of musical instruments.

EComplexity: validation of a complex thinking instrument from a structural equation model

The eComplexity instrument aims to measure the perception of achievement in the complex thinking competency and its sub-competencies. To ensure the reliability of this instrument, validation processes like the one presented in this article are necessary. Methodologically, this study evaluates data from 1,037 university students in Mexico, confirming the statistical validity and reliability of the instrument. As a result, the demonstrated reliability of the eComplexity instrument as a tool for measuring perceived achievements in complex thinking provides a valuable resource for assessing the effectiveness of educational interventions. Consequently, this research contributes to a more informed approach to fostering critical thinking skills, benefiting both theoretical exploration and practical application in educational settings. The study employs the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate students’ self-perceptions of their performance in complex thinking and its sub-competencies, thus advancing the field of educational measurement. Academically, it enriches the discourse on the design and validation of instruments, offering a rigorous model for future efforts in measuring cognitive competencies. Practically, the study’s results inform educational practice by identifying systemic and scientific thinking as key to developing complex thinking skills. This knowledge enables educators to more effectively adapt teaching strategies and curricular designs, aiming to enhance students’ ability to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Design and content validity of mathematics creative problem-solving ability instrument for junior high school students

Design and content validity of mathematics creative problem-solving ability instrument for junior high school students

Smart measurement and monitoring system for aquaculture fisheries with IoT-based telemetry system

The instrumentation design of an online monitoring device for aquaculture media is discussed in this article. The main processor in this internet of things (IoT) real-time telemetry system is an ESP32 board. Temperature, acidity level, conductivity level, dissolved oxygen (DO) level, and degree of oxygen reduction in the water were the aquaculture parameters measured. The ESP32 collects data from each sensor, groups it into a dataset, displays it on the LCD, saves it to the SD card, and then uploads it to the real-time database. In addition, an Android application is being developed for users. This device has been tested to ensure that each measured parameter is accurate and precise. The accuracy test, one of the major results of laboratory scale tests, demonstrates that each parameter has a different measurement error that represents with average error absolute. Six tested sensors/instruments were subjected to the test. Average absolute error for temperature sensor is +0.76%, pH sensor is +1.52%, electrical conductivity (EC) sensor is +10.8%, oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor is +14.6%, DO sensor is +9.3%, and total dissolve solids (TDS) sensor is +13.2%. This device is very dependable and convenient for monitoring the condition of aquaculture media in real-time and accurately.

Conceptualizing the Dimensions of Digital Leadership towards Academicians’ Competencies in AI: A Systematic Literature Review for Instrument Design

This study investigates digital leadership's role in improving academics' AI skills and the crucial shift in teaching and learning techniques brought by digital and AI advancements. A learner-centric approach customizes, engages, and includes learning using digital and AI. It demands a change from traditional education and stresses digital leadership and AI capabilities for academicians. The study conducts a thorough literature review to identify key digital leadership attributes, including the ability to innovate, strategically use digital tools, and give equal access to educational technology. It also describes the AI capabilities academics require to personalize instruction, streamline administration, and boost student performance. Results show academicians require specific professional development to learn digital leadership and AI. These apps help teachers use AI to meet digital needs. Digital leadership is dynamic and involves technical, strategic, ethical, and collaborative abilities to transform education, according to the paper. Cooperation and research are essential to understanding digital leadership and creating effective assessment and training methods as the digital world changes. The initiative will assist academics navigate modern educational situations and promote digital integration and innovation. As implications, this study reveals how digital leadership and AI capabilities are altering education. This research emphasizes the role of digital leadership and AI in enhancing teaching and learning in the digital era, adding to the discourse about preparing academicians for the future.

A science-driven approach to optimize the design for a biological small-angle neutron scattering instrument

Biological small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instruments facilitate critical analysis of the structure and dynamics of complex biological systems. However, with the growth of experimental demands and the advances in optical systems design, a new neutron optical concept is necessary to overcome the limitations of current instruments. This work presents an approach to include experimental objectives (i.e. the science to be supported by a specific neutron scattering instrument) in the optimization of the neutron optical concept. The approach for a proposed SANS instrument at the Second Target Station of the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA, is presented here. The instrument is simulated with the McStas software package. The optimization process is driven by an evolutionary algorithm using McStas output data, which are processed to calculate an objective function designed to quantify the expected performance of the simulated neutron optical configuration for the intended purpose. Each McStas simulation covers the complete instrument, from source to detector, including realistic sample scattering functions. This approach effectively navigates a high-dimensional parameter space that is otherwise intractable; it allows the design of next-generation SANS instruments to address specific scientific cases and has the potential to increase instrument performance compared with traditional design approaches.

Design and Application of Duct Leak Detection Instrument in the Aircraft Pneumatic Systems

The pneumatic manifold system pipes on airplanes contain air with a pressure of approximately 45 psi and a temperature of approximately 117oC. This pipe stretches from the tip of the right wing to the tip of the left and continues to the tail area of ​​the aircraft. The total length of pipe reaches up to 300 meters. The diameter of the pipe reaches a size of up to 7 inches. Pneumatic system duct leaks are very dangerous because they affect aircraft performance and high temperatures can damage components around the leak and can even cause a fire. So far, if a leak is detected, it takes a long time to find the area because the detection method is still manual and visual. For this reason, a heat detection instrument was designed to find leak points in the pneumatic system channels. It is hoped that this instrument can help the process of finding leak points more quickly. The detection results of the instrument after testing its function using a heat sensor show more accurate results because the heat sensor can detect in areas that cannot be seen visually. This detection instrument is also able to measure the overheat temperature level at two stages, namely at 60°C and 100°C.

Enabling the design of surgical instruments for under-resourced patients through metal additive manufacturing: ulnar shortening osteotomy as an example

BackgroundUlnar shortening osteotomy (USO) has demonstrated good outcomes for patients with ulnar impaction syndrome. To minimize complications such as non-union, precise osteotomy and firm fixation are warranted. Despite various ulnar shortening systems have been developed, current technology does not meet all needs. A considerable portion of patients could not afford those designated USO systems. To tackle this challenge, our team reported successful results in standardized free-hand predrilled USO technique. However, it is still technical demanding and requires sufficient experience and confidence to excel. Therefore, our team designed an ulnar shortening system based on our free-hand technique principle, using metal additive manufacturing technology. The goal of this study is to describe the development process and report the performance of the system.MethodsUtilizing metal additive manufacturing technology, our team developed an ulnar shortening system that requires minimal exposure, facilitates precise cutting, and allows for the easy placement of a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate, available to patients at zero out-of-pocket cost. For performance testing, two surgeons with different levels of experience in ulnar shortening procedures were included: one fellow-trained hand and wrist surgeon and one senior resident. They performed ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) using both the free-hand technique and the USO system-assisted technique on ulna sawbones, repeating each method three times. The recorded parameters included time-to-complete-osteotomy, total procedure time, chip diameter, shortening length, maximum residual gap, and deviation angle.ResultsFor the hand and wrist fellow, with the USO system, the time-to-complete osteotomy was significantly reduced. (468.7 ± 63.6 to 260.0 ± 5 s, p < 0.05). Despite the preop goal was shortening 3 mm, the average shortening length was significantly larger in the free-hand group (5 ± 0.1; 3.2 ± 0.2 mm, p < 0.05). Both maximum residual gap and deviation angle reported no statistical difference between the two techniques for the hand surgeon. As for the senior resident, the maximum residual gap was significantly reduced, using the USO system (2.9 ± 0.8; 0.4 ± 0.4 mm, p = 0.02). Between two surgeons, significant larger maximum residual gap and deviation angle were noted on the senior resident doctor, in the free-hand technique group, but not in the USO system group.ConclusionThe developed USO system may serve as a valuable tool, aiding in reliable and precise cutting as well as fixation for patients undergoing ulnar shortening osteotomy with a 3.5 mm dynamic compression plate, even for less experienced surgeons. The entire process, from concept generation and sketching to creating the CAD file and final production, serves as a translatable reference for other surgical scenarios.