Real-time calculation of strain of the plantar soft tissue during weight-bearing activities

What is it about?

Diabetic foot ulceration is a result of an inherent failure within the soft tissue that presents itself as a disintegration of the skin and deep soft tissue that can lead to an unhealed wound and even to amputation. Indeed, diabetic foot disease is the main cause of non-traumatic amputations worldwide. Strain of the plantar soft tissue is known to be one of the contributor in tissue damage.

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Why is it important?

In-vivo measurement of internal tissue strain or strain-rate is very challenging; which leaves strain among the least investigated biomechanical parameters that are associated with ulceration. Indeed, the direct in-vivo measurement of plantar soft tissue strain involves the use of medical imaging which makes the whole process expensive and very difficult to implement.