Analysis of stresses in two-dimensional models of normal and neuropathic feet

Patil, K. M.<sup>1</sup>; Braak, L. H.<sup>2</sup>; Huson, A.<sup>3</sup>

Affiliations

¹Biomedical Engineering Division, Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India

²Department of Fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

³Centre for Biomedical and Health Care Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Abstract and keywords

A two-dimensional model of the normal foot skeleton, which includes cartilages and ligaments, is used in this analysis of stresses during three quasi-static walking phases: heel-strike, mid-stance and push-off. It is found that in all the walking phases the maximum values of principal stresses occur in the dorsal anterior region of the talus, whereas the highest stress occurs in the push-off phase. The model is used for the simulation of muscle paralysis and its effect on the distribution of principal stresses. Subsequently, the model is used to analyse stresses in the deformed feet of three leprosy patients with complete paralysis of certain muscles. The results demonstrate that both the shape of the foot and the type of muscle paralysis contribute to the development of high stresses in different regions of the foot. These high stresses in regions with reduced mechanical strength could be one of the important factors in the process of tarsal disintegration in leprosy.

Keywords: Finite element; Neuropathic feet; Stress analysis; Two-dimensional foot model

Links

DOI: 10.1007/BF02511238

PubMed: 8935493

WoS: A1996VB82700010

History

Received: 1994-08-10

Revised: 1995-10-02

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Cited By (13)

Year	Entry
2000	Ledoux W, Camacho D, Ching R, Sangeorzan B. The development and validation of a computational foot and ankle model. Proceedings of the 22nd Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society; July 23-28, 2000.2899-2902.
2007	Yang Y, Yu G, Niu W, Zhou J, Chen Y, Yuan F, Ding Z. Effect of the plantar ligaments injury on the longitudinal arch height of the human foot. In: Li K, li X, Irwin GW, He G, eds. Life System Modeling and Simulation. International Conference, LSMS 2007; September 2007; Shanghai, China. Berlin: Springer-Verlag:111-119. Lecture Notes in Computer Science; vol 4689.
2010	Qian Z-h, Ren L, Ren L-q, Boonpratatong A. A three-dimensional finite element musculoskeletal model of the human foot complex. In: Lim CT, Goh JCH, eds. 6th World Congress of Biomechanics (WCB 2010). August 1-6, 2010; Singapore. Heidelberg, Germany: Springer:297-300. IFMBE Proceedings; vol 31.
2016	Morales-Orcajo E, Bayod J, Barbosa de Las Casas E. Computational foot modeling: scope and applications. Arch Comput Methods Eng. September 2016;23(3):389-416.
2002	Gefen A. Stress analysis of the standing foot following surgical plantar fascia release. J Biomech. 2002;35(5):629-637.
2000	Gefen A, Megido-Ravid M, Itzchak Y, Arcan M. Biomechanical analysis of the three-dimensional foot structure during gait: a basic tool for clinical applications. J Biomech Eng. December 2000;122(6):630-639.
2002	Camacho DLA, Ledoux WR, Rohr ES, Sangeorzan BJ, Ching RP. A three-dimensional, anatomically detailed foot model: a foundation for a finite element simulation and means of quantifying foot-bone position. J Rehab Res Dev. 2002;39(3):401-410.
2003	Gefen A. Plantar soft tissue loading under the medial metatarsals in the standing diabetic foot. Med Eng Phys. 2003;25(6):491-499.
2011	Qiu T-X, Teo E-C, Yan Y-B, Lei W. Finite element modeling of a 3D coupled foot–boot model. Med Eng Phys. December 2011;33(10):1228-1233.
2009	Sirimamilla PA. Elaborate Experimentation for Mechanical Characterization of Human Foot Using Inverse Finite Element Analysis [Master's thesis]. Cleveland, OH: Case Western Reserve University; January 2009.
2017	Campbell B. An Assessment of Hallux Valgus [PhD thesis]. University of Pittsburgh; 2017.
2002	Erdemir A. Load Transfer Mechanisms of the Foot [PhD thesis]. State College, PA: Pennsylvania State University; December 2002.
2003	Miller-Young JE. Factors Affecting Human Heel Pad Mechanics: A Finite Element Study [PhD thesis]. Calgary, AB: University of Calgary; April 2003.