Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Objective: Studies involving in vivo experimentation in human beings requires ethical clearance, and it is cumbersome due to existing laws and procedures. This research aims at developing a 3D anatomically realistic model of the ankle joint and the foot. Methodology: The Computed Tomography (CT) images of the human foot were captured. Using image reconstruction technique, the outer surface of the various components of the foot including the 26 bones, plantar fascia, Achilles tendon and other ligaments were developed. Findings: Applying the necessary boundary and loading conditions on the mechanical model, the internal stress distribution under different conditions of the foot were calculated and compared with published literature. Applications/Improvements: Upon validation, this model can be used to study the behavior a deformed/diabetic foot by altering suitable material properties of the foot. Further, the detailed study on the design of custom foot orthoses may be performed to counter effect the foot deformity
Keywords: Finite Element (FE) Model, Human Foot, Image Reconstruction