Finite Element Analysis of the Expression of Plantar Pressure Distribution in the Injury of the Lateral Ligament of the Ankle

Abstract

The program of treatment and rehabilitation of chronic ankle instability is different according to the impairment degree of lateral ligament of the ankle. The diagnosis methods of lateral ligament's injury are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy, which are either invasive or timeconsuming. This study aims to analyze the mapping relation between lateral ligaments' injury and center of pressure (COP) position shift via finite element analysis in order to explore a method that can diagnose lateral ligaments' injury. Two typical finite element method (FEM) bone models of heelstrike and toes-off phase are built according to the gait metrics. The lateral ligament is simulated by adding the spring to the model in the anatomical position and the injury of lateral ligament is simulated by reducing the stiffness of the spring. The contact pressure between the foot and support plate and COP coordinates are analyzed. The displacement of anterolateral shift of COP coordinates is mapped to the injury degree of lateral ligament. This study provides feasibility to diagnose lateral ligament injury by plantar pressure distribution.

Research progress in finite element analysis of ankle sprains

“…This method can create mannequins with simple and fast imaging data: the analysis of computer models can accurately simulate the mechanical environment in the body by controlling experimental conditions. [17] Therefore, the study of the integrity and damage of the ankle triangular ligament and the reconstruction of biomechanics, including the development of mathematical models of human-machine three-dimensional physical simulations, are the premises of these studies by choosing finite element analysis methods.…”

Effects of Custom-Made Insole Materials on Frictional Stress and Contact Pressure in Diabetic Foot with Neuropathy: Results from a Finite Element Analysis

“…Subjectspecific FE foot models offer a huge amount of data that can be beneficial in both clinical application and footwear designs. It also contributes to understanding the behavior of foot biomechanics and the effects of different interventions [23]. Most researchers focused on a single material used to fabricate an insole with varying hardness.…”