Associations between changes in loading pattern, deformity, and internal stresses at the foot with hammer toe during walking; a finite element approach

Over the past decade, Finite Element (FE) modelling has been used as a method to understand internal stresses within diabetic foot. Foot deformities such hammer toe have associated with increased risk of foot ulcers in patients. Hence aim this study is investigate influence deformity on during walking. A 3D finite element model human was constructed based capturing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) neuropathic volunteer exhibiting toe. gait measurements and multi-body musculoskeletal for same participant were define muscle forces. FE simulations run at five different instances stance phase gait. Peak plantar pressure distribution results calculated from showed good agreement experimental measurement having less than 11% errors. Maximum von Mises forefoot hard tissue observed 3rd 5th metatarsals 4th proximal phalanx. Moreover, presence found shift location maximum soft by changing centre stress 1.64 times greater pressure. Hammer also reduce involvement first phalanx internal/external load-bearing The findings support association between changes loading pattern, deformity, that lead ulceration.