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Mid foot kinetics characterize structural polymorphism in diabetic foot disease
David R Sinacore1, Kathryn L Bohnert, Mary K Hastings
1Applied Kinesiology Laboratory, Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. sinacored@wustl.edu
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|July 3, 2007
Summary
Diabetic foot disease presents distinct medial and lateral deformities. Plantar pressure and bone density assessments can classify these phenotypes for better clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Diabetology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Diabetic foot disease causes progressive deformities, leading to amputation and morbidity.
- Understanding structural foot polymorphism is crucial for managing diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify distinct medial and lateral midfoot deformities in diabetic individuals.
- To utilize plantar kinetic, pressure, and bone density data for classification.
Main Methods:
- Compared 22 individuals with diabetes and neuropathy (with midfoot deformities) to 29 healthy controls.
- Assessed calcaneal bone mineral density and plantar force/pressure during barefoot walking.
- Categorized diabetic subjects into medial (11) and lateral (11) deformity groups.
Main Results:
- Diabetic subjects exhibited significantly higher plantar forces and pressures compared to controls.
- Medial and lateral phenotypes showed distinct pressure distributions in the midfoot.
- Lower calcaneal bone density was observed in deformed feet and in the medial phenotype group.
Conclusions:
- Diabetic foot disease exhibits distinct medial and lateral column phenotypes.
- Plantar pressure/force and bone density assessments can characterize these phenotypes.
- This classification may aid foot care specialists in clinical decision-making.
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