Accuracy and Repeatability of Electronic and Static-Film Pressure Sensors Under Controlled Test Conditions

The accuracy and repeatability of both electronic pressure sensors and static-film sensors, when used for in situ pressure distribution testing has previously been performed for various joints. Although both methods are reported to yield reasonable levels of accuracy, our initial experiments did not yield such good results. In addition, our joint of interest, the radiocarpal joint, was different from those previously studied. To be certain of the maximum accuracy that could be expected from each measurement system, we devised a controlled experiment to determine the accuracy of both systems in an idealized test configuration. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and variability of a static-film pressure measurement system and an electronic pressure measurement system. We hypothesized that the static-film pressure measurement system would be more accurate under ideal conditions, due to its higher resolution.