A method for automated masking and plantar pressure analysis using segmented computed tomography scans.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Medical Imaging
• Gait Analysis

Background:

• Plantar pressure analysis is crucial for gait and foot biomechanics.
• Commercial software is typically used, often referencing bony geometry.
• Advanced imaging like CT enables more detailed bone analysis in biomechanics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if CT-based regional masks provide comparable plantar pressure analysis to commercial software.
• To assess if an in-house CT-based method offers additional insights beyond common measurements.

Main Methods:

• Developed a CT-based plantar pressure analysis method using bony geometry.
• Calculated peak pressure, pressure time integral, force time integral, and pressure gradient.
• Acquired static and dynamic plantar pressure data from four subjects.

Main Results:

• CT-based analysis showed comparable results to commercial software, with minor differences in key metrics.
• Regional masks differed due to subject-specific bone geometry.
• Inclusion of sub-peak pressures and static frames altered pressure patterns and locations.

Conclusions:

• CT-based regional masks are a viable alternative to commercial options.
• Incorporating static frames and sub-peak data refines plantar pressure analysis.
• Identifying differences in pressure gradients and peak locations aids in assessing injury risk.