Establishment of normal foot and common foot disease models using three-dimensional finite element method and biomechanical analysis. (English)

BACKGROUND: In the field of trauma orthopedics, three-dimensional finite element analysis is only a routine means of biomechanical evaluation and internal fixator design and optimization in the treatment of internal fixation of fractures, but also provides new directions for the basic and clinical researches of trauma orthopedics. OBJECTIVE: To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of nonnal foot, flatfoot, equinus, and foot fracture and to undergo biomechanical analysis. METHODS: One healthy volunteer and patients with flatfoot, equinus, and foot fracture were selected. Their feet were scanned by CT. Three-dimensional finite element modeling and biomechanical analysis were perfonned by using computer three-dimensional imaging technology according to the CT data. The stress distribution and stress values of each model were then obtained for comparative analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional finite element models of nonnal foot, flatfoot, equinus, and foot fracture were established and biomechanical analysis was perfonned. In the patients with flatfoot, the stress values of the metatarsus and tarsus were significantly increased compared with the normal values. The stress of the equinus was mainly concentrated around the ankle joint, especially on the talus surface. The simple metatarsus fracture had little effect on the stress changes in the tarsus area. The stress in the tarsus area of the Lisfranc injured patients was increased more obviously than in the nonnal feet. In this study, the three-dimensional finite element modeling and biomechanical analysis of the foot combines computer technology with clinical practice, which provides reference for biom echanical research of human foot. The numericalization of the mechanical data of different foot conditions by mechanical analysis provides important mechanical basis for the clinical treatment of the foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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