Abstract: Objective　To develop a 3D hand scanning system based on structural light and to evaluate the validity of hand morphological modes.　Methods　By scanning the left hand of 5 volunteers with the self-designed 3D scanning system of structural light, the 3D images on the volar side and the dorsal side were spliced, encapsulated, filled and smoothed. Then the fingers’ length, joint circumference and width of 3D models of the hand were measured, and the measured results were compared with those obtained by the direct measurement method.　Results　The scanning time of 3D scanning system for structural light was 1 second, and the shape of the 3D hand models was realistic and the skin texture was fine. Among of the 28 measurement indexes, the difference between the dorsal length of the index and long fingers and the DIP joint circumference of the index finger were statistically significant (but all were less than 2.0 mm), and the difference between other measurement indexes was not statistically significant (all were within 1.0 mm).　Conclusions　The self-made 3D scanning system of structural light can reconstruct the soft tissue models of the hand quickly, and the 3D hand morphological models have high validity.

Key words: Structural light scanner, 　Hand model, 　Direct measurement, 　Validity