TY - JOUR AU - Nouman, Muhammad AU - Chong, Desmond Y.R. AU - Chatpun, Surapong PY - 2021/07/01 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Finite Element Approach Towards Selection of Appropriate Materials to Redistribute Peak Plantar Pressure in Diabetic Foot with Neuropathy: Selecting Appropriate Materials for Diabetic Foot JF - PSU Medical Journal JA - PSU Med J VL - 1 IS - 2 SE - Original Articles DO - 10.31584/psumj.2021247166 UR - https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/PSUMJ/article/view/247166 SP - 43-54 AB - <p><strong>Objective:</strong> The aim of this study was to assess the effect of customized insole (CMI) variations on plantar pressure in diabetic foot with neuropathy, using finite element analysis (FEA). <br><strong>Material and Methods:</strong> A three-dimensional foot model was constructed using FEA to study the peak contact pressure between the foot and the CMI. Nora® Lunalastike, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), Amfit® and TPU were chosen for insole materials; and from these eight CMI models were created. The top surface of the tibia and fibula were fixed, and a displacement of 3 mm was exerted from the ground along with upwards Achilles tendon force.<br><strong>Results:</strong> The peak contact pressure contour showed that a softer material, CMI-A (E = 1.04 MPa), resulted in a better reduction of peak contact pressure compared to a stiffer material; CMI-D (E = 11 MPa). In addition, it was shown that the use of a single material to fabricate the CMI resulted in higher peak contact pressure; with the exception of CMI-A, in comparison to a dual-layer material of CMI-E and CMI-F. Using FEA, can effectively enhance the insole material selection process, without need of a trial and error practice in a clinical setting.<br><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The use of dual materials to fabricate CMIs, with the softer material as a top layer, is beneficial compared to a stiffer top layer material in the reduction of peak plantar pressure for diabetic foot with neuropathy. </p> ER -