Effect of forefoot transverse arch stiffness on foot biomechanical response--based on finite element method

作者：Linjie Zhang, Qiaolin Zhang, Yilin Zhong, Tibor Hortobágyi, Yaodong Gu · 发表于：Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.3389/fbioe.2024.1387768 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Lower Extremity Biomechanics and Pathologies、Diabetic Foot Ulcer Assessment and Management、Foot and Ankle Surgery

Background: The plantar vault, comprising the transverse and longitudinal arches of the human foot, is essential for impact absorption, elastic energy storage, and propulsion. Recent research underscores the importance of the transverse arch, contributing over 40% to midfoot stiffness. This study aimed to quantify biomechanical responses in the ankle-foot complex by varying the stiffness of the deep metatarsal transverse ligament (DTML). Methods: Using CT image reconstruction, we constructed a complex three-dimensional finite element model of the foot and ankle joint complex, accounting for geometric complexity and nonlinear characteristics. The focus of our study was to evaluate the effect of different forefoot transverse arch stiffness, that is, different Young's modulus values of DTML (from 135 MPa to 405 MPa), on different biomechanical aspects of the foot and ankle complex. Notably, we analyzed their effects on plantar pressure distribution, metatarsal stress patterns, navicular subsidence, and plantar fascial strain. Results: Increasing the stiffness of the DTML has significant effects on foot biomechanics. Specifically, higher DTML stiffness leads to elevate von Mises stress in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd metatarsals, while concurrently reducing plantar pressure by 14.2% when the Young's modulus is doubled. This stiffening also impedes navicular bone subsidence and foot lengthening. Notably, a 100% increase in the Young's modulus of DTML results in a 54.1% decrease in scapho...