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Corneal Confocal Microscopy: A Novel Non-invasive Technique to Quantify Small Fibre Pathology in Peripheral Neuropathies
Published on: January 3, 2011
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Pedobarography - a novel screening tool for diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
1Department of Endocrine and Metabolism, Shanghai First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. pyongde@yeah.net
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Foot plantar pressure abnormalities indicate diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Abnormalities correlate with nerve conduction deficits and may serve as an early diagnostic screening tool for DPN.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neurology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) affects foot biomechanics.
- Early detection of DPN is crucial for preventing complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the diagnostic value of foot plantar pressure distribution abnormalities in DPN.
- To correlate plantar pressure changes with electrophysiological findings.
Main Methods:
- 107 participants (normal, non-DPN, DPN) underwent foot plantar pressure analysis using F-Scan insoles.
- Plantar pressure data from six walking strides were averaged.
- Correlations with lower limb electrophysiology were examined.
Main Results:
- DPN patients showed increased contact time, force-time integral, and forefoot/lateral plantar force ratios.
- Plantar biomechanical abnormalities correlated with sural and common peroneal nerve conduction deficits.
- Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated diagnostic potential for force-time integral.
Conclusions:
- DPN is associated with altered foot plantar pressure distribution, shifting towards the forefoot and lateral aspects.
- Plantar biomechanical changes correlate with sensory and motor nerve abnormalities.
- Foot plantar pressure measurement shows promise as an early screening tool for DPN.
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