Profilometer? Not the Kind Your Dad Would Have Used :)

I see 20 questions coming.

Subcutaneous would mean not only non-contact, but through skin measurement?

Define "down".

What is the anticipated size of the features you wish to measure?

Maybe just give us another 20 sentences about what you want to accomplish, not in med-speak.

Also, I don't see you listed in the faculty registry. Are you a student?

Either way, "subcutanious" is really spelled "subcutaneous".

Ouch!!!!

Either way, "subcutanious" is really spelled "subcutaneous". Good Catch ! [[Not to mention the fact that there's a distinct difference between 'then' and 'than' ]]

"...at time of surgery and than as a means to track..." {I sure HOPE that this isn't a PROFESSOR!}

"give us another 20 sentences ... not in med-speak." *Jes!* I'm still trying to figger-out whether the device hoped-for is a tool to stay in-the-lab, and be used on each subject as they return for periodic measurements... or, is IT, TOO, supposed to be either implanted or 'strapped-to' the patient...?

Thank you for your unhelpful input, and reiteration of criticism. English is not my first Language. I believe you missed the point of my question.

I got the question.

And I asked for much more information.

Will it be forthcoming?

Get used to criticism from many here. It's the cost of admission.

Lyn:

Thank you for your questions. I believe this will help to expand on what it is I am looking for.

Clarification: Please imagine if you will a small titanium alloy implant measuring a height of 5.15 mm with a diameter of 4 mm is implanted into the back of an animal. With a small post that screws into the implant which is outside of the animal. This implant looks very similar to a Hershey Kiss with the top 1/4 removed and replaced by a small cylindrical post that would screw into the kiss/implant.

One of the greatest problems faced with subcutaneous implants is the skin around the implant tends to grow down, ultimately meaning the skin (epidermis) will migrate inward along the outside of the implant causing ultimate extrusion of the device. We have solved some of this problem by using porous coated devices which help to create soft tissue dermal attachment around the implant, including other methods that are pending publication.

This is where it would be very helpful to have a tool or profileometer where we could measure the skin implant junction, this is known as the interface, in order to track down growth. I understand that what we would be measuring includes height but also taper or narrowing around and close to the implant. The post will be our y axis and the animal will be our x axis? However this could be wrong so please correct me.

We are currently talking about using digital calipers. However this would involve touching the animal in order to receive a measurement. And I ultimately believe this would not be the most accurate measurement.

If there is a device that would accurately take this measurement that would be outstanding.

"the skin around the implant tends to grow down,"

So, you want something to measure the rate of extrusion/expulsion of the device as it rises out of the skin?

The first thing that comes to mind is an optical comparator, if the animals can be held stationary, or perhaps run through a shoot or slot.

Optical comparator - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This may be impractical, I know.

Others, more up to date and well versed in the art of measurement, may have better ideas.

I will toughen up! It will make my English better.

Advice taken.

Welcome! Come back and visit often and you will be exposed to English as it is used and abused. You'll also learn how to talk to engineers and other technical types. This may be very useful to you in your future career as we are found in every field of human endeavor.

"Toughen up" is extremely good advice, also, as this particular portion of the population can be very abrasive. Keeping with the themes of dermis and English education, the expression we would use is "You need to develop a thick skin." Sometimes, however, even the hide of a rhinocerous will not suffice.

ermmm how about this?

http://www.creaform3d.com/en/health-care-solutions/products/health-care-partner-3d-scanner/technical-specifications-health-care

Resolution is low though

http://www.creaform3d.com/en/metrology-solutions/products/portable-3d-scanner/technical-specifications-handyscan-3d

or these, 0.1mm resolution

Or even better,

http://www.instructables.com/id/EASY-Kinect-3D-Scanner/

can hone your skills too

http://asia.gamespot.com/trauma-center-under-the-knife/