Flatfoot and normal foot a comparative analysis of the stress shielding

Abstract

Objective: this study aims to develop a comprehensive 3D FE model of the foot to investigate the effect of soft tissue stiffness on the plantar pressure distributions and the internal load transfer between bony structures.

Methods: the stress shielding occurring on the plantar surface of a flatfoot was investigated and compared with the mechanical behavior of a healthy foot, trough baropodometric analyses and the FE models.

Results: the flatfoot evidences a more intensive stress-shielding map with significant values of pressure acting on the medial plantar fascia.

Conclusion: Clinically and radiographically, symptomatic adult flatfoot is a complex abnormality involving all three dimensions and multiple joints within the foot.

Keywords: CAD; FE analysis; Foot model.

Figures

Fig. 1

Supporting surface of the foot “aeches on arches”.

Fig. 2

2a)Normal Calcaneal pitch. 2b) Calcaneal pitch with flatfoot.

Fig. 3

Numerical model and loading and constrain setup.

Fig. 4

Contour maps of plantar pressure evaluated in normal feet and flatfoot.

Fig. 5

Contour maps of Eq. V. Mises stress[MPa] evaluated on the plantar surface of the feet.

Fig. 6

Contour maps of Eq. V. Mises stress[MPa] evaluated on the bony parts of the feet.