FINITE ELEMENT ANALYZE OF THE FIRST METATARSAL VERTICAL ARCH OF THE FOOT IN THE HIGH-HEELED GAIT

Abstract

A two-dimensional numerical model of the foot, incorporating, for the first time in the literature, realistic geometric and material properties of both skeletal and soft tissue components of the foot, was developed for biomechanical analysis of its structural behavior during gait. Using a Finite Element solver, the stress distribution within the first metatarsal vertical: arch of the foot (FMVA) structure was obtained and regions of elevated stresses for three subphases of the stance (heel-strike, push-off, and toe-off) were located. Validation of the pressure state was achieved by comparing model predictions of contact pressure distribution with Novel Pedar. The presently developed measurement and numerical analysis tools open new approaches for clinical applications, from simulation of the development mechanisms of common foot disorders to pre-and post-interventional evaluation of their treatment.