Files and links (1)
PDFOpen Access (License Unspecified), Open Access
Dissertation
Foot type biomechanics and diabetic neuropathic foot function
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
1998
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00009833
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are an important and costly problem. Diabetes accounts for about 67,000 cases or half the annual non-traumatic LEAs in the United States. Diabetic neuropathic ulcerations (DNUs) typically precede LEAs and tend to occur at the areas of high peak pressure in an insensate foot. However, the pathophysiology of aberrant plantar pressures and its relationship to foot biomechanics are poorly understood. It is hypothesized that malalignment of the foot and ankle complex yield aberrant foot function and may represent a risk factor for DNUs and subsequent amputation. New reliable techniques were developed to objectively evaluate the concept of foot type biomechanics. These included the malleolar valgus and center of pressure excursion indices (MVI and CPEI) which assess static alignment and dynamic foot function, respectively. Using standardized biomechanical measurements and these techniques, 11 healthy young subjects (mean age, 25.7 years) with a rectus foot type (HRY) and 10 age-matched subjects with a planus (HPY) foot type were studied. Results of unpaired t-tests and a discriminant analysis based on MVI and CPEI demonstrated a significant difference between these groups and provided the first objective evidence supporting the concept of foot type biomechanics. To study the effects of foot type and diabetic peripheral neuropathy on foot function, three age-matched elderly groups (mean age, 61.9 years) were studied: 14 healthy rectus feet (HR), 18 healthy planus feet (HP), and 15 diabetic neuropathic planus feet without a history of ulceration (DNP). Results demonstrated a significant difference between HR and HP groups and between HR and DNP groups in MVI and CPEI. However, the two planus groups (HP and DNP) demonstrated similar pronatory function. There was a general trend toward increased peak pressures from HR to HP to DNP groups, with a significant difference between the HR and DNP groups. These results support the concept that foot type may be a significant determinant of foot function, even in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and may represent an independent risk factor for DNUs. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the relationship between foot type, foot function, and specific foot pathologies.
Metrics
29 File views/ downloads
16 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Foot type biomechanics and diabetic neuropathic foot function
- Creators
- Jinsup Song
- Contributors
- William Freedman (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)Howard J. Hillstrom (Advisor) - Drexel University, Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 86 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021888960604721