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Yang XG, Peng Z, Liu X, Liu XL, Lu S. A narrative review of the measurement methods for biomechanical properties of plantar soft tissue in patients with diabetic foot. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1332032. [PMID: 39135623 PMCID: PMC11317276 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1332032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the development history and advantages and disadvantages of measurement methods for soft tissue properties of the plantar foot. The measurement of soft tissue properties is essential for understanding the biomechanical characteristics and function of the foot, as well as for designing and evaluating orthotic devices and footwear. Various methods have been developed to measure the properties of plantar soft tissues, including ultrasound imaging, indentation testing, magnetic resonance elastography, and shear wave elastography. Each method has its own strengths and limitations, and choosing the most appropriate method depends on the specific research or clinical objectives. This review aims to assist researchers and clinicians in selecting the most suitable measurement method for their specific needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong-gang Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopedics of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhi Peng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiao-liang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Sheng Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopedics of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Crossland SR, Sairally F, Edwards J, Culmer P, Brockett CL. Mechanical characteristics of diabetic and non-diabetic plantar skin. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 150:106279. [PMID: 38007990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2023.106279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulceration is linked to high amputation and mortality rates, with the substantial associated annual spend on the at-risk diabetic foot reflecting the intensive time and labour involved in treatment. Assessing plantar interactions and developing improved understanding of the formation pathways of diabetic ulceration is important to orthotic interventions and patient outcomes. Plantar skin surrogates which emulate the mechanical and tribological characteristics can help improve physical models of ulceration, reduce reliance on cadaveric use and inform more complex computational modelling approaches. The information available from existing studies to characterise plantar skin is limited, typically featuring ex-vivo representations of skin and subcutaneous tissue combined and given focus to shear studies with time dependency. The aim of this study is to improve understanding of plantar tissue mechanics by assessing the mechanical characteristics of plantar skin in two groups; (1) non-diabetic and (2) diabetic donors without the subcutaneous tissue attachment of previous work in this field. Digital image correlation was used to assess inherent skin pre-tension of the plantar rearfoot prior to dissection. Young's modulus, storage and loss moduli were tested for using tensile stress-strain failure analysis and tensile and compressive dynamic mechanical analysis, which was conducted on excised plantar rearfoot donor specimens for both disease state cohorts at frequencies reflecting those achieved in activities of daily living. Plantar skin thickness for donor specimens were comparable to values obtained using ultrasound acquired in vivo values. Median tensile storage and loss moduli, along with Young's modulus, was higher in the diabetic cohort. With a mean Young's modulus of 0.83 ± 0.49 MPa and 1.33 ± 0.43 MPa for non-diabetic and diabetic specimens respectively. Compressive studies showed consistency between cohorts for median storage and loss moduli. The outcomes from this study show mechanical characteristics of plantar skin without the involvement of subcuteanous tissues under reflective daily achieved loading regimes, showing differences in the non-diabetic and diabetic specimens trialled to support improved understanding of plantar tissue response under tribological interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Crossland
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | | | - Jen Edwards
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Peter Culmer
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Claire L Brockett
- Insigneo Institute for in silico Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Vas P, Chockalingam N. Improving Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Health Outcomes in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers - State of the Art. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:3547-3560. [PMID: 38107668 PMCID: PMC10725647 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s333660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic foot disease is a complex and challenging complication of diabetes mellitus, which imposes a significant burden of disease on patients, their carers, and the wider health systems. Recurrence rates are high, and current evidence indicates a high mortality associated with it. While management algorithms have primarily focused on the physical aspects of healing, there is increasing recognition of the critical role played by psychological and biomechanical factors in the development and resolution of diabetic foot disease. Therefore, in this paper, we aim to explore how diabetic foot outcomes can be improved by addressing not only the physical but also the psychological and biomechanical aspects that are integral to the development of this condition and its optimal resolution. We explore new technologies that allow for non-invasive objective assessment of the diabetic foot at risk, and we also explore the role of understanding biomechanics, which is essential to determining risk of foot disease, but also the potential for recurrence. In addition, we discuss the evidence linking depression and cognitive impairment to diabetic foot disease and offer our insight on the research direction required before implementing novel information into front-line clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Vas
- Department of Diabetes and Diabetic Foot, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nachiappan Chockalingam
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, UK
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Zheng J, Li R, Dickey EE, Yan Y, Zayed MA, Zellers JA, Hastings MK. Regional skeletal muscle perfusion distribution in diabetic feet may differentiate short-term healed foot ulcers from non-healed ulcers. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:3303-3311. [PMID: 36719497 PMCID: PMC10121766 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09405-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to leverage a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach to characterize foot perfusion distribution in patients with diabetes, with or without foot ulcers, and determine the ability of the regional perfusion measurements to identify ulcer-healing status. METHODS Three groups of participants (n = 15 / group) were recruited: controls (without diabetes), type II diabetes, and type II diabetes with foot ulcers. All participants underwent MRI evaluating foot perfusion in three muscle layers (from plantar to dorsal) at rest and during a standardized toe-flexion exercise. The exercise perfusion and perfusion reserve values were analyzed around and away from ulcers. Participants with foot ulcers were followed up 3 months after the MRI exams to determine the foot healing status. RESULTS Foot plantar muscle perfusion reserves were progressively lower from controls to diabetes, and to diabetes with foot ulcers (e.g., 2.58 ± 0.67, 1.48 ± 0.71, 1.12 ± 0.35, p < 0.001). In controls, the plantar layer had significantly higher perfusion reserve than the dorsal layer, whereas in either diabetes group, there was no significant difference in perfusion reserve among muscle layers. Using the ratio of total exercise perfusion around ulcers to that away from ulcers, the sensitivity and specificity to differentiate healing from non-healed ulcers were 100% and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals significantly different foot perfusion distribution among controls, diabetes, and diabetes with foot ulcers. The prognostic value of MRI regional perfusion assessments has the potential to monitor interventions to improve ulcer healing outcomes. KEY POINTS • Contrast-free MRI permits quantitative assessment of regional foot muscle perfusion at rest and during isometric exercise. • Patients with diabetes and foot ulcers, without clinical evidence of peripheral arterial disease, had significantly impaired foot muscle perfusion and perfusion reserve. • Regional foot perfusion distribution may be used to predict the short-term healing status of foot ulcers in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4525 Scott Ave, Room 3114, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ran Li
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4525 Scott Ave, Room 3114, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Erin E Dickey
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 4525 Scott Ave, Room 3114, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mohamed A Zayed
- Department of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jennifer A Zellers
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Mary K Hastings
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Jianda X, Maosheng B, Chenjian P, Xiaojing Y, Changhui W, Junhao L, Jianning Z, Ningwen S. An novel and alternative treatment method for large heel ulceration in diabetic patients: Proximal tibial cortex transverse distraction. Int Wound J 2023; 20:732-739. [PMID: 36787268 PMCID: PMC9927898 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Heel ulceration in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major clinical challenge, manifesting with a protracted and uncertain healing process. The prefer treatment of heel ulceration is still controversial. This study aims at describing a newly alternative surgical method with the proximal transverse tibial bone transport technique, as an attempt to achieve wound healing in diabetic patients with large heel ulceration. Retrospective clinical study. A total of 21 diabetic patients with large heel ulceration were enrolled and followed up at least 6 months. The following parameters were assessed: Visual analogue scale (VAS), healing time, ulcer healing rate, ulcer recurrence rate and limb salvage rate. All patients got fully follow-up and achieved wound healing uneventfully. Eighteen patients returned to independent walking without any helper while three patients walked using a crutch. Limb salvage was achieved in all 21 patients (100%). The mean wound area was 67.43 ± 13.31 cm2 (range: 46-97 cm2 ). The mean healing time was 128.62 ± 16.76 days (range: 91-160 days). 16 out of 21 patients without calcaneal osteomyelitis achieved ulcer healing with a mean duration of 124.69 ± 14.42 days (range: 91-143 days), while the other five patients with calcaneal osteomyelitis were 141.20 ± 19.12 days (range: 110-160 days). 2 out of 21 patients got superficial rupture at the previous wounds and healed after outpatient dressing change combined with oral antibiotics. The novel technique described is particularly applicable for large heel ulceration in diabetic patients. It offers a better alternative for achieving wound healing with a favourable encouraging outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Jianda
- Department of Orthopaedics, Changzhou Traditional Chinese medical hospitalAffiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChangzhouChina
| | - Bai Maosheng
- Department of OrthopaedicsNanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Peng Chenjian
- Department of OrthopaedicsNanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Yan Xiaojing
- Department of Orthopaedics, Changzhou Traditional Chinese medical hospitalAffiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChangzhouChina
| | - Wei Changhui
- Department of OrthopaedicsNanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Lu Junhao
- Department of OrthopaedicsNanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Zhao Jianning
- Department of OrthopaedicsNanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
| | - Shi Ningwen
- Department of OrthopaedicsNanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese MedicineNanjingChina
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Patwari M, Chatzistergos P, Sundar L, Chockalingam N, Ramachandran A, Naemi R. A quantitative comparison of plantar soft tissue strainability distribution and homogeneity between ulcerated and non-ulcerated patients using ultrasound strain elastography. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2022; 236:722-729. [PMID: 35199619 DOI: 10.1177/09544119221074786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to develop a method that allows accurate quantification of plantar soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity. The secondary aim of this study was to investigate if the differences in soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity can be detected between ulcerated and non-ulcerated foot. Novel measures of individual pixel stiffness, named as quantitative strainability (QS) and relative strainability (RS) were developed. Strain Elastography data obtained from 39 (nine with active diabetic foot ulcers) patients with diabetic neuropathy. The patients with active diabetic foot ulcer had wound in parts of the foot other than the first metatarsal head and the heel where the elastography measures were conducted. RS was used to measure changes and gradients in the stiffness distribution of plantar soft tissues in participants with and without active diabetic foot ulcer. The plantar soft tissue homogeneity in superior-inferior direction in the left forefoot was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in ulcerated group compared to non-ulcerated group. The assessment of homogeneity showed potentials to further explain the nature of the change in tissue that can increase internal stress. This can have implications in assessing the vulnerability to plantar soft tissue damage and ulceration in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayank Patwari
- Computer Aided Medical Procedures, Technische Universität München, Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Chatzistergos
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | - Nachiappan Chockalingam
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
| | | | - Roozbeh Naemi
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health, Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK
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Duan Y, Ren W, Liu W, Li J, Pu F, Jan YK. Relationship Between Plantar Tissue Hardness and Plantar Pressure Distributions in People With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:836018. [PMID: 35445007 PMCID: PMC9013892 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.836018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: People with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) are usually accompanied with increased plantar pressure. Such high plantar loading during daily activities may cause changes in the biomechanical properties of plantar soft tissue, whose viability is critical to the development of foot ulcers. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between plantar tissue hardness and plantar pressure in people with and without DPN, and preliminarily explore the influence of plantar loading patterns on the plantar pressure and tissue hardness. Methods: The study was conducted on 14 people with DPN and 14 diabetic people without DPN. The Shore durometer and MatScan System were used to measure the plantar tissue hardness and plantar pressure, respectively. The plantar loading level was evaluated by the duration of daily weight-bearing activity and was used to group diabetic participants with and without DPN into two subgroups (lower loading group and higher loading group). Results: The plantar tissue hardness was significantly correlated with static peak plantar pressure (PPP, p < 0.05) and dynamic pressure-time integral (PTI, p < 0.05) in the forefoot region in people with DPN. Results of variance analysis showed a significant interaction effect between peripheral neuropathy and plantar loading on tissue hardness (p < 0.05), but not plantar pressure. For people with DPN, significant differences in tissue hardness between the higher loading group and lower loading group were observed in the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions. In the higher loading group, people with DPN had significantly greater tissue hardness than that in people without DPN in the toes, forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot regions (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There is a significant correlation between tissue hardness and PPP, and between tissue hardness and PTI in people with DPN. Plantar loading associated with daily activities plays a significant role on the plantar tissue hardness in people with DPN. The findings of this study contribute to further understand the relationship between increased plantar tissue hardness and high plantar pressure in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Duan
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiyan Ren
- Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Technical Aids for Old-Age Disability, Key Laboratory of Human Motion Analysis and Rehabilitation Technology of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Research Center for Rehabilitation Technical Aids, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianchao Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Pu
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Pu, ; Yih-Kuen Jan,
| | - Yih-Kuen Jan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Fang Pu, ; Yih-Kuen Jan,
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Naemi R, Romero Gutierrez SE, Allan D, Flores G, Ormaechea J, Gutierrez E, Casado-Pena J, Anyosa-Zavaleta S, Juarez M, Casado F, Castaneda Aphan B. Diabetes Status is Associated With Plantar Soft Tissue Stiffness Measured Using Ultrasound Reverberant Shear Wave Elastography Approach. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2022; 16:478-490. [PMID: 33095039 PMCID: PMC8861805 DOI: 10.1177/1932296820965259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the mechanical properties of plantar soft tissue and diabetes status. METHOD 51 (M/F: 21/30) participants with prediabetes onset (fasting blood sugar [FBS] level > 100 mg/dL), age >18 years, and no lower limb amputation were recruited after ethical approval was granted from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru ethical review board. Ultrasound reverberant shear wave elastography was used to assess the soft tissue stiffness at the 1st metatarsal head (MTH), 3rd MTH, and the heel at both feet. RESULTS Spearman's rank-order correlation (rho) test indicated a significant (P < .05) positive correlations between FBS level and the plantar soft tissue shear wave speed at the 1st MTH: rho = 0.402 (@400 Hz), rho = 0.373 (@450 Hz), rho = 0.474 (@500 Hz), rho= 0.395 (@550 Hz), and rho = 0.326 (@600 Hz) in the left foot and rho = 0.364 (@450 Hz) in the right foot. Mann-Whitney U test indicated a significantly (P < .05) higher shear wave speed in the plantar soft tissue with the following effect sizes (r) at the 1st MTH of the left foot at all tested frequencies: r = 0.297 (@450 Hz), r = 0.345 (@500 Hz), r = 0.322 (@550 Hz), and r = 0.275 (@600 Hz), and at the 1st MTH of right foot r = 0.286 (@400 Hz) in diabetes as compared with the age and body mass index matched prediabetes group. CONCLUSION An association between fasting blood sugar level and the stiffness of the plantar soft tissue with higher values of shear wave speed in diabetes versus prediabetes group was observed. This indicated that the proposed approach can improve the assessment of the severity of diabetic foot complications with potential implications in patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Naemi
- Centre for Biomechanics and
Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire
University, Staffordshire, UK
- Roozbeh Naemi, BSc, MSc, PhD, School of Life
Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Science Centre, Leek Road,
Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 2DF, UK.
| | | | - David Allan
- Centre for Biomechanics and
Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire
University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Gilmer Flores
- Department of Engineering, Medical
Imaging Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima, Peru
| | - Juvenal Ormaechea
- Department of Engineering, Medical
Imaging Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima, Peru
- Department of Electrical and Computer
Engineering, University of Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Evelyn Gutierrez
- Department of Engineering, Medical
Imaging Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Sharon Anyosa-Zavaleta
- Translational Unit, Institute of Omics
and Applied Biotechnology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima,
Peru
| | - Mauricio Juarez
- Department of Engineering, Medical
Imaging Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima, Peru
| | - Fanny Casado
- Department of Engineering, Medical
Imaging Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima, Peru
| | - Benjamin Castaneda Aphan
- Department of Engineering, Medical
Imaging Laboratory, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Lima, Peru
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Wu H, Norton V, Cui K, Zhu B, Bhattacharjee S, Lu YW, Wang B, Shan D, Wong S, Dong Y, Chan SL, Cowan D, Xu J, Bielenberg DR, Zhou C, Chen H. Diabetes and Its Cardiovascular Complications: Comprehensive Network and Systematic Analyses. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:841928. [PMID: 35252405 PMCID: PMC8891533 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.841928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a worldwide health problem that usually comes with severe complications. There is no cure for diabetes yet and the threat of these complications is what keeps researchers investigating mechanisms and treatments for diabetes mellitus. Due to advancements in genomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and single-cell multiomics research, considerable progress has been made toward understanding the mechanisms of diabetes mellitus. In addition, investigation of the association between diabetes and other physiological systems revealed potentially novel pathways and targets involved in the initiation and progress of diabetes. This review focuses on current advancements in studying the mechanisms of diabetes by using genomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and single-cell multiomic analysis methods. It will also focus on recent findings pertaining to the relationship between diabetes and other biological processes, and new findings on the contribution of diabetes to several pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vikram Norton
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kui Cui
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bo Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sudarshan Bhattacharjee
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yao Wei Lu
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Scott Wong
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yunzhou Dong
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Siu-Lung Chan
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Douglas Cowan
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Medicine, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma, OK, United States
| | - Diane R. Bielenberg
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Changcheng Zhou
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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10
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Yang XG, Teng ZL, Zhang ZM, Wang K, Huang R, Chen WM, Wang C, Chen L, Zhang C, Huang JZ, Wang X, Ma X, Geng X. Comparison of material properties of heel pad between adults with and without type 2 diabetes history: An in-vivo investigation during gait. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:894383. [PMID: 36060939 PMCID: PMC9428762 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.894383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to compare the material properties of heel pad between diabetes patients and healthy adults, and investigate the impact of compressive loading history and length of diabetes course on the material properties of heel pad. METHODS The dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and dynamic foot-ground contact pressure-test plate were used for measuring the material properties, including primary thickness, peak strain, peak stress, stiffness, viscous modulus and energy dissipation ratio (EDR), both at time zero and following continuous loading. Material properties between healthy adults and DM patients were compared both at time zero and following continuous weight bearing. After then, comparison between time-zero material properties and properties following continuous loading was performed to identify the loading history-dependent biomechanical behaviour of heel pad. Subgroup-based sensitivity analysis was then conducted to investigate the diabetes course (<10 years vs. ≥10 years) on the material properties of heel pad. RESULTS Ten type II DM subjects (20 legs), aged from 59 to 73 (average: 67.8 ± 4.9), and 10 age-matched healthy adults (20 legs), aged from 59 to 72 (average: 64.4 ± 3.4), were enrolled. Diabetes history was demonstrated to be associated with significantly lower primary thickness (t=3.18, p=0.003**), higher peak strain (t=2.41, p=0.021*), lower stiffness (w=283, p=0.024*) and lower viscous modulus (w=331, p<0.001***) at time zero, and significantly lower primary thickness (t=3.30, p=0.002**), higher peak strain (w=120, p=0.031*) and lower viscous modulus (t=3.42, p=0.002**) following continuous loading. The continuous loading was found to be associated with significantly lower primary thickness (paired-w=204, p<0.001***) and viscous modulus (paired-t=5.45, p<0.001***) in healthy adults, and significantly lower primary thickness (paired-w=206, p<0.001***) and viscous modulus (paired-t=7.47, p<0.001***) in diabetes group. No any significant difference was found when conducting the subgroup analysis based on length of diabetes course (<10 years vs. ≥10 years), but the regression analysis showed that the length of diabetes history was positively associated with the peak strain, at time zero (r=0.506, p<0.050) and following continuous loading (r=0.584, p<0.010). CONCLUSIONS Diabetes patients were found to be associated with decreased primary thickness and viscous modulus, and increased peak strain, which may contribute to the vulnerability of heel pad to injury and ulceration. Pre-compression history-dependent behaviour is observable in soft tissue of heel pad, with lowered primary thickness and viscous modulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong-gang Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao-lin Teng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-ming Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Huang
- Academy for Engineering & Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-ming Chen
- Academy for Engineering & Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-zhang Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Geng, ; Xin Ma,
| | - Xiang Geng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Geng, ; Xin Ma,
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Romero SE, Naemi R, Flores G, Allan D, Ormachea J, Gutierrez E, Casado FL, Castaneda B. Plantar Soft Tissue Characterization Using Reverberant Shear Wave Elastography: A Proof-of-Concept Study. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:35-46. [PMID: 34702642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Plantar soft tissue stiffness provides relevant information on biomechanical characteristics of the foot. Therefore, appropriate monitoring of foot elasticity could be useful for diagnosis, treatment or health care of people with complex pathologies such as a diabetic foot. In this work, the reliability of reverberant shear wave elastography (RSWE) applied to plantar soft tissue was investigated. Shear wave speed (SWS) measurements were estimated at the plantar soft tissue at the first metatarsal head, the third metatarsal head and the heel from both feet in five healthy volunteers. Experiments were repeated for a test-retest analysis with and without the use of gel pad using a mechanical excitation frequency range between 400 and 600 Hz. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the reliability of the SWS estimations. In addition, the results were compared against those obtained with a commercially available shear wave-based elastography technique, supersonic imaging (SSI). The results indicate a low coefficient of variation for test-retest experiments with gel pad (median: 5.59%) and without gel pad (median: 5.83%). Additionally, the values of the SWS measurements increase at higher frequencies (median values: 2.11 m/s at 400 Hz, 2.16 m/s at 450 Hz, 2.24 m/s at 500 Hz, 2.21 m/s at 550 Hz and 2.31 m/s at 600 Hz), consistent with previous reports at lower frequencies. The SWSs at the plantar soft tissue at the first metatarsal head, third metatarsal head and heel were found be significantly (p<0.05) different, with median values of 2.42, 2.16 and 2.03 m/s, respectively which indicates the ability of the method to differentiate between shear wave speeds at different anatomical locations. The results indicated better elastographic signal-to-noise ratios with RSWE compared to SSI because of the artifacts presented in the SWS generation. These preliminary results indicate that the RSWE approach can be used to estimate the plantar soft tissue elasticity, which may have great potential to better evaluate changes in biomechanical characteristics of the foot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano E Romero
- Laboratorio de Imagenes Medicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, San Miguel, Lima, Peru.
| | - Roozbeh Naemi
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Gilmer Flores
- Laboratorio de Imagenes Medicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, San Miguel, Lima, Peru
| | - David Allan
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, School of Health Science and Wellbeing, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Juvenal Ormachea
- Laboratorio de Imagenes Medicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, San Miguel, Lima, Peru; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Evelyn Gutierrez
- Laboratorio de Imagenes Medicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, San Miguel, Lima, Peru
| | - Fanny L Casado
- Instituto de Ciencias Omicas y Biotecnologia Aplicada, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, San Miguel, Lima, Peru
| | - Benjamin Castaneda
- Laboratorio de Imagenes Medicas, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, San Miguel, Lima, Peru
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12
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Spartacus V, Shojaeizadeh M, Raffault V, Shoults J, Van Wieren K, Sparrey CJ. In vivo soft tissue compressive properties of the human hand. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261008. [PMID: 34898632 PMCID: PMC8668133 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Purpose Falls onto outstretched hands are the second most common sports injury and one of the leading causes of upper extremity injury. Injury risk and severity depends on forces being transmitted through the palmar surface to the upper extremity. Although the magnitude and distribution of forces depend on the soft tissue response of the palm, the in vivo properties of palmar tissue have not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to characterize the large deformation palmar soft tissue properties. Methods In vivo dynamic indentations were conducted on 15 young adults (21–29 years) to quantify the soft tissue characteristics of over the trapezium. The effects of loading rate, joint position, tissue thickness and sex on soft tissue responses were assessed. Results Energy absorbed by the soft tissue and peak force were affected by loading rate and joint angle. Energy absorbed was 1.7–2.8 times higher and the peak force was 2–2.75 times higher at high rate loading than quasistatic rates. Males had greater energy absorbed than females but not at all wrist positions. Damping characteristics were the highest in the group with the thickest soft tissue while damping characteristics were the lowest in group with the thinnest soft tissues. Conclusion Palmar tissue response changes with joint position, loading rate, sex, and tissue thickness. Accurately capturing these tissue responses is important for developing effective simulations of fall and injury biomechanics and assessing the effectiveness of injury prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Spartacus
- Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Maedeh Shojaeizadeh
- Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Vincent Raffault
- Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James Shoults
- Science Technical Center, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Ken Van Wieren
- Science Technical Center, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Carolyn J. Sparrey
- Mechatronic Systems Engineering, Simon Fraser University, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Brady L, Pai S, Iaquinto JM, Wang YN, Ledoux WR. The compressive, shear, biochemical, and histological characteristics of diabetic and non-diabetic plantar skin are minimally different. J Biomech 2021; 129:110797. [PMID: 34688066 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is associated with lower limb co-morbidities, including ulceration and subsequent amputation. As a systemic disease, diabetes affects the microstructure of soft tissues, and material microstructural changes are known to affect the macroscale mechanics. However, the associations between diabetes-related disruptions to essential microstructural components and mechanical changes in plantar skin with diabetes has not been thoroughly characterized. Plantar skin specimens were collected from four diabetic and eight non-diabetic donors at six plantar locations (hallux; first, third, and fifth metatarsals; lateral midfoot; calcaneus) from matched pairs. Mechanical testing was performed on fresh frozen specimens from one foot, and histomorphological measurement and biochemical quantification were performed on specimens from the other foot. Mechanical (compressive and shear moduli and viscoelastic slopes) and biochemical/histological (total quantity of collagen and elastin; dermal and epidermal thickness) parameters were correlated using linear mixed effects regression. There were no significant differences by disease state. Skin thicknesses were positively correlated with initial compression modulus and all three shear moduli. The final compressive modulus was significantly lower at the third metatarsal than the fifth metatarsal, lateral midfoot, and calcaneus, while the final shear modulus was significantly higher at the calcaneus than at the hallux, first, and third metatarsals. Epidermal thickness was significantly higher at the calcaneus compared to all other locations. While differences were not significant by disease state, the strong differences by locations and significant but weak correlations between skin thickness and mechanics can inform future research to understand the mechanism of ulcer formation in the diabetic foot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Brady
- VA RR&D Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB), Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shruti Pai
- VA RR&D Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB), Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Joseph M Iaquinto
- VA RR&D Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB), Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yak-Nam Wang
- VA RR&D Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB), Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Center for Industrial and Medical Ultrasound, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - William R Ledoux
- VA RR&D Center for Limb Loss and MoBility (CLiMB), Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Zippenfennig C, Drechsel TJ, Monteiro RL, Sacco ICN, Milani TL. The Mechanoreceptor's Role in Plantar Skin Changes in Individuals with Diabetes Mellitus. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2537. [PMID: 34201094 PMCID: PMC8227313 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical skin properties (MSPs) and vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) show no relationship in healthy subjects. Similar results were expected when comparing MSP and VPT in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) and with diabetic (peripheral-)neuropathy (DPN). A healthy control group (33 CG), 20 DM and 13 DPN participated in this cross-sectional study. DM and DPN were classified by using a fuzzy decision support system. VPTs (in µm) were measured with a modified vibration exciter at two different frequencies (30 and 200 Hz) and locations (heel, first metatarsal head). Skin hardness (durometer readings) and thickness (ultrasound) were measured at the same locations. DPN showed the highest VPTs compared to DM and CG at both frequencies and locations. Skin was harder in DPN compared to CG (heel). No differences were observed in skin thickness. VPTs at 30 and 200 Hz correlated negatively with skin hardness for DPN and with skin thickness for DM, respectively. This means, the harder or thicker the skin, the better the perception of 30 or 200 Hz vibrations. Changes in MSP may compensate the loss of sensitivity up to a certain progression of the disease. However, the influence seems rather small when considering other parameters, such as age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Zippenfennig
- Department of Human Locomotion, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany; (T.J.D.); (T.L.M.)
| | - Tina J. Drechsel
- Department of Human Locomotion, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany; (T.J.D.); (T.L.M.)
| | - Renan L. Monteiro
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05360-160, Brazil; (R.L.M.); (I.C.N.S.)
| | - Isabel C. N. Sacco
- Department of Physical Therapy, Speech and Occupational Therapy, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05360-160, Brazil; (R.L.M.); (I.C.N.S.)
| | - Thomas L. Milani
- Department of Human Locomotion, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107 Chemnitz, Germany; (T.J.D.); (T.L.M.)
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15
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Khor BYC, Woodburn J, Newcombe L, Barn R. Plantar soft tissues and Achilles tendon thickness and stiffness in people with diabetes: a systematic review. J Foot Ankle Res 2021; 14:35. [PMID: 33910602 PMCID: PMC8080343 DOI: 10.1186/s13047-021-00475-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is associated with changes in soft tissue structure and function. However, the directionality of this change and the extent to which either tissue thickness or stiffness contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetes-related foot ulcerations is unclear. Hence, this systematic review aims to summarise the existing evidence for soft tissue structural differences in the feet of people with and without diabetes. METHODS In compliance with MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines, AMED, CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest Health & Medical Collection, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Database, and Web of Science electronic databases were systematically searched for studies published from database inception until 1st October 2020 [Prospero CRD42020166614]. Reference lists of included studies were further screened. Methodological quality was appraised using a modified critical appraisal tool for quantitative studies developed by McMaster University. RESULTS A total of 35 non-randomised observational studies were suitable for inclusion. Within these, 20 studies evaluated plantar tissue thickness, 19 studies evaluated plantar tissue stiffness, 9 studies evaluated Achilles tendon thickness and 5 studies evaluated Achilles tendon stiffness outcomes. No significant differences in plantar tissue thickness were found between people with and without diabetes in 55% of studies (11/20), while significantly increased plantar tissue stiffness was found in people with diabetes in 47% of studies (9/19). Significantly increased Achilles tendon thickness was found in people with diabetes in 44% of studies (4/9), while no significant differences in Achilles tendon stiffness were found between people with and without diabetes in 60% of studies (3/5). CONCLUSIONS This systematic review found some evidence of soft tissue structural differences between people with and without diabetes. However, uncertainty remains whether these differences independently contribute to diabetes-related foot ulcerations. The heterogeneity of methodological approaches made it difficult to compare across studies and methodological quality was generally inadequate. High-quality studies using standardised and validated assessment techniques in well-defined populations are required to determine more fully the role of structural tissue properties in the pathogenesis of diabetes-related foot ulcerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedictine Yen Chen Khor
- Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.
| | - James Woodburn
- Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa Newcombe
- Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK
| | - Ruth Barn
- Department of Podiatry and Radiography, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK
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White S, McCullough MBA, Akangah PM. The Structural Effects of Diabetes on Soft Tissues: A Systematic Review. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2021; 49:11-27. [PMID: 35993948 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2022043200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia, which is associated with diabetes, increases the production of advanced glycation end products. Advanced glycation end products lead to the structural degradation of soft tissues. The structural degradation of diabetic soft tissues has been investigated in humans, rodents, and canines. Therefore, the objective of this review is to unify the various contributions to diabetes research through the mechanical properties and geometric characteristics of soft tissues. A systematic review was performed and identified the effects of diabetes on mechanical and geometric properties of soft tissues via experimental testing or in vivo - driven finite element analysis. The literature concludes that diabetes contributes to major structural changes in soft tissues but does not cause the same structural changes in all soft tissues (e.g., diabetic tendons are weaker and diabetic plantar tissues are tougher). Diabetes stiffens and toughens soft tissues, thus altering viscoelastic behavior (e.g., poor strain and stress response). However, diabetes management routines can prevent or minimize the effects of diabetes on the mechanical and geometric properties of soft tissues. Unification of the structural effects of diabetes on soft tissues will contribute to the pathophysiology of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunafrica White
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
| | - Matthew B A McCullough
- Department of Chemical, Biological, and Bioengineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
| | - Paul M Akangah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
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17
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Identification of potential plantar ulceration among diabetes patients using plantar soft tissue stiffness. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 103:103567. [PMID: 32090958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between plantar tissue stiffness and selected parameters, including age, diabetes mellitus (DM) duration, body mass index (BMI), and HbA1c level. 70 diabetes patients with no foot problems were recruited. The plantar soft tissue at the 2nd sub-metatarsal head (MTH) pad was examined using the novel indentation system developed. The stiffness constant, K, was used to describe the tissue stiffness. The four factors (age, DM duration, BMI, and HbA1c level) were plotted against the plantar tissue stiffness. The scatter plots revealed that a higher plantar tissue stiffness was usually associated with (1) BMI>25 kgm-2, (2) HbA1c score >10% (86 mmol/mol), and (3) DM duration >10 years. The three risk criteria were further evaluated using the binary classification test. The predictions were reported to be fairly accurate and reliable in detecting stiffened tissues. The study has successfully identified the strong association of BMI, HbA1c, and DM duration with the plantar tissue properties. Special attention should be given to the high risk group with BMI>25 kgm-2, HbA1c score >10% (86 mmol/mol), and DM duration >10 years. The high diagnostic odds ratio attained suggests its potential usefulness in helping clinicians to diagnose diabetic foot more efficiently.
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Edalati M, Hastings MK, Muccigrosso D, Sorensen CJ, Hildebolt C, Zayed MA, Mueller MJ, Zheng J. Intravenous contrast-free standardized exercise perfusion imaging in diabetic feet with ulcers. J Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 50:474-480. [PMID: 30447040 PMCID: PMC6933046 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.26570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired foot perfusion is a primary contributor to foot ulcer formation. There is no existing device nor method that can be used to measure local foot perfusion during standardized foot muscle exercise in an MRI environment. PURPOSE To develop a new MRI-compatible foot dynamometer and MRI methods to characterize local perfusion in diabetic feet with ulcers. STUDY TYPE Prospective. POPULATION/SUBJECTS Seven participants without diabetes and 10 participants with diabetic foot ulcers. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE 3.0T, arterial spin labeling (ASL). ASSESSMENTS Using a new MRI-compatible foot dynamometer, all participants underwent MRI ASL perfusion assessment at rest and during a standardized toe-flexion exercise. The participants without diabetes were scanned twice to assess the reproducibility of perfusion measurements. The absolute perfusion and perfusion reserve values were compared between two groups and between regions near ulcers (peri-ulcer) and away from ulcers (away-ulcer). STATISTICAL TESTS Bland-Altman methods for the calculation of coefficient of repeatability (CR) and two-sided and unpaired Student's t-test to compare multiple differences. RESULTS The perfusion reserves measured had the best reproducibility (CR in medial region: 1.6, lateral region: 0.9). The foot perfusion reserve was significantly lower in the participants with diabetes compared with the participants without diabetes (1.34 ± 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1, 1.58 vs. 1.76 ± 0.31, 95% CI: 1.53, 1.98, P = 0.02). Both peri-ulcer exercise perfusion (8.7 ± 3.9 ml/min/100g) and perfusion reserve (1.07 ± 0.39, 95% CI: 0.78, 1.35) were significantly lower than away-ulcer exercise perfusion (12.7 ± 3.8 ml/min/100g, P = 0.02) and perfusion reserve (1.39 ± 0.37, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.66, P = 0.03), respectively. DATA CONCLUSION This study demonstrates intravenous contrast-free methods for local perfusion in feet with ulcers by standardized exercise-based MRI. Ischemia regions around foot ulcers can be quantitatively distinguished from normal perfused muscle regions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:474-480.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Edalati
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mary K. Hastings
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David Muccigrosso
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher J. Sorensen
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Charles Hildebolt
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Mohamed A. Zayed
- Department of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael J. Mueller
- Program in Physical Therapy, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jie Zheng
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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Yum H, Eom SY, Lee Y, Kim J, Lee J, Teoh JC, Lee T. Investigation of the relationship between localized cumulative stress and plantar tissue stiffness in healthy individuals using the in-vivo indentation technique. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 98:157-162. [PMID: 31238207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine whether prolonged and repetitive exercise stiffens the plantar soft tissue. Healthy female subjects in their early 20s with a similar body mass index but different majors (13 engineers (controls) and 13 ballet dancers) were recruited. Tissue thickness was measured using ultrasound, while peak stress, stress distribution, and center of pressure were obtained Zebris® pressure mat. Stiffness was evaluated using a custom-made tissue indentation system. F-test and independent sample T-test were used to determine significant differences between the two groups. No significance was found in the thickness of the second sub-metatarsal head (MTH) and heel between the two groups. In the second sub-MTH, the ballet group showed higher peak stress, loading rate, and stiffness than the control group. Conversely, in the heel region, all the results were higher for the control group. The results of this study quantify the impact of exercise on the stiffness of plantar soft tissue and confirm that even healthy individuals who do prolonged and repetitive exercise have stiffer plantar soft tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haeun Yum
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Eom
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeokyeong Lee
- Department of Architectural Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinah Kim
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Lee
- Department of Dance, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Chin Teoh
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeyong Lee
- Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea.
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Behforootan S, Chatzistergos PE, Chockalingam N, Healy A, Naemi R. Localized pressure stimulation using turf‐like structures can improve skin perfusion in the foot. Microcirculation 2019; 26:e12543. [DOI: 10.1111/micc.12543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Behforootan
- Department of Surgery & Cancer Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London London UK
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies Staffordshire University Stoke‐on‐Trent UK
| | | | - Nachiappan Chockalingam
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies Staffordshire University Stoke‐on‐Trent UK
| | - Aoife Healy
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies Staffordshire University Stoke‐on‐Trent UK
| | - Roozbeh Naemi
- Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies Staffordshire University Stoke‐on‐Trent UK
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Morrison T, Jones S, Causby RS, Thoirs K. Can ultrasound measures of intrinsic foot muscles and plantar soft tissues predict future diabetes-related foot disease? A systematic review. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199055. [PMID: 29906277 PMCID: PMC6003689 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with hyperglycaemia and advanced glycosylation end-products. In the foot, the consequences of chronic or uncontrolled diabetes are micro and macrovascular disease, neuropathy, reduced joint mobility and structural and soft tissue changes that increase the risk of ulcer development and amputation. Diabetes foot assessment currently includes a comprehensive history, neurological and vascular assessments and examination focussed on dermatological and musculoskeletal abnormalities. Whilst these assessments are helpful for predicting ulceration risk, direct identifiers that enable early therapeutic intervention are lacking. The intention of this review was to ascertain if B-mode ultrasound could be clinically applied to identify structural change in the diabetic foot and be utilised as an early predictor of ulceration risk. Methods Primary databases and grey literature sources were systematically searched. Selection criteria were that the study included a diabetic sample and used B-mode ultrasound to assess soft tissue structures of the foot (plantar skin, plantar fat pad or intrinsic muscles). Results Fifteen studies were identified for inclusion (combined diabetic sample of 773). Ultrasound demonstrated reductions in tissue thickness in diabetics compared to non-diabetics under first (p = 0.01) and second (p = 0.03) metatarsal heads, but not the third (p = 0.24). Statistical heterogeneity was high for ultrasound thickness measures under metatarsal heads four/five (I2 65%, 81%) and very high for plantar skin (I2 98%), heel pad (I2 76%) and intrinsic muscles (I2 91%, 81%). Extensor digitorum brevis (EDB) ultrasound measures were significantly thinner in diabetics for all dimension measures compared to healthy controls except one study, which reported no significant differences in EDB thickness. Conclusions No direct evidence was found to indicate B-mode ultrasound measures can predict soft tissue changes in the plantar foot in diabetes, although low level studies indicate ultrasound has the potential to identify structural change. Clinical, methodological and statistical heterogeneity limit result applicability. This review highlights the need for robust prospective longitudinal research to examine the predictive validity of this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Morrison
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sara Jones
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
- Department of Rural Health, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Ryan S. Causby
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Kerry Thoirs
- School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
- International Centre for Allied Health Evidence (iCAHE), University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
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Behforootan S, Chatzistergos PE, Chockalingam N, Naemi R. A Simulation of the Viscoelastic Behaviour of Heel Pad During Weight-Bearing Activities of Daily Living. Ann Biomed Eng 2017; 45:2750-2761. [DOI: 10.1007/s10439-017-1918-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Aerts W, Scarton A, De Groote F, Guiotto A, Sawacha Z, Cobelli C, Vander Sloten J, Jonkers I. Validation of plantar pressure simulations using finite and discrete element modelling in healthy and diabetic subjects. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2017; 20:1442-1452. [PMID: 28895759 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2017.1372428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Plantar pressure simulation driven by integrated 3D motion capture data, using both a finite element and a discrete element model, is compared for ten healthy and ten diabetic neuropathic subjects. The simulated peak pressure deviated on average between 16.7 and 34.2% from the measured peak pressure. The error in the position of the peak pressure was on average smaller than 4.2 cm. No method was more accurate than the other although statistical differences were found between them. Both techniques are thus complementary and useful tools to better understand the alteration of diabetic foot biomechanics during gait.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Aerts
- a Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics Section , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - A Scarton
- b Department of Information Engineering , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - F De Groote
- c Department of Mechanical Engineering , PMA, KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
| | - A Guiotto
- b Department of Information Engineering , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - Z Sawacha
- b Department of Information Engineering , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - C Cobelli
- b Department of Information Engineering , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - J Vander Sloten
- b Department of Information Engineering , University of Padova , Padova , Italy
| | - I Jonkers
- d Department of Kinesiology, Human Movement Biomechanics , KU Leuven , Leuven , Belgium
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Naemi R, Chatzistergos P, Suresh S, Sundar L, Chockalingam N, Ramachandran A. Can plantar soft tissue mechanics enhance prognosis of diabetic foot ulcer? Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2017; 126:182-191. [PMID: 28259007 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate if the assessment of the mechanical properties of plantar soft tissue can increase the accuracy of predicting Diabetic Foot Ulceration (DFU). METHODS 40 patients with diabetic neuropathy and no DFU were recruited. Commonly assessed clinical parameters along with plantar soft tissue stiffness and thickness were measured at baseline using ultrasound elastography technique. 7 patients developed foot ulceration during a 12months follow-up. Logistic regression was used to identify parameters that contribute to predicting the DFU incidence. The effect of using parameters related to the mechanical behaviour of plantar soft tissue on the specificity, sensitivity, prediction strength and accuracy of the predicting models for DFU was assessed. RESULTS Patients with higher plantar soft tissue thickness and lower stiffness at the 1st Metatarsal head area showed an increased risk of DFU. Adding plantar soft tissue stiffness and thickness to the model improved its specificity (by 3%), sensitivity (by 14%), prediction accuracy (by 5%) and prognosis strength (by 1%). The model containing all predictors was able to effectively (χ2 (8, N=40)=17.55, P<0.05) distinguish between the patients with and without DFU incidence. CONCLUSION The mechanical properties of plantar soft tissue can be used to improve the predictability of DFU in moderate/high risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Naemi
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom.
| | - P Chatzistergos
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom
| | - S Suresh
- India Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India
| | - L Sundar
- India Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India
| | - N Chockalingam
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom
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Suzuki R, Ito K, Lee T, Ogihara N. Parameter identification of hyperelastic material properties of the heel pad based on an analytical contact mechanics model of a spherical indentation. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 65:753-760. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ledoux WR, Pai S, Shofer JB, Wang YN. The association between mechanical and biochemical/histological characteristics in diabetic and non-diabetic plantar soft tissue. J Biomech 2016; 49:3328-3333. [PMID: 27623704 PMCID: PMC5074896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes, and the subsequent complication of lower limb ulcers leading to potential amputation, remains an important health care problem in United States, even with declining amputation rates. It has been well documented that diabetes can alter the mechanical properties (i.e., increased stiffness) of the plantar soft tissue, although this finding is not universal. Similarly, biochemical, and histological changes have been found in the plantar soft tissue, but, as with the mechanical changes, these findings are not consistent across all studies. Our group׳s work has demonstrated that diabetes increases plantar soft tissue modulus and increases elastic septal thickness. The purpose of the current study was to explore the association between mechanical, biochemical and histological properties. Using previously collected data, a linear mixed effects regression was conducted. The correlations were weak; of the 32 that were tested, only 3 (modulus to septal thickness when location was accounted for, energy loss to total collagen, and energy loss to collagen/elastin ratio) were statistically significant, none with an R2 greater than 0.10. The main differences in the means were increased tissue stiffness and increased septal wall thickness, both trends were supported in the literature. However, as the correlations were weak, it is likely that another unexamined biochemical factor (perhaps collagen crosslinking) is associated with the mechanical tissue changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Ledoux
- VA RR&D Center of Excellence for Limb Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; Departments of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Shruti Pai
- VA RR&D Center of Excellence for Limb Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; Departments of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Jane B Shofer
- VA RR&D Center of Excellence for Limb Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering, Seattle, WA 98108, United States
| | - Yak-Nam Wang
- VA RR&D Center of Excellence for Limb Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering, Seattle, WA 98108, United States; Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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Naemi R, Chatzistergos P, Sundar L, Chockalingam N, Ramachandran A. Differences in the mechanical characteristics of plantar soft tissue between ulcerated and non-ulcerated foot. J Diabetes Complications 2016; 30:1293-9. [PMID: 27338509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in mechanical properties of the plantar soft tissue between the ulcerated and non-ulcerated feet in patients with diabetic neuropathy. METHODS Thirty nine patients who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study. Ten out of 39 participants had an active ulcer at a site other than the plantar heel and the first metatarsal head. Real time ultrasound elastography was performed to measure the soft tissue thickness and stiffness of the heel pad and sub-metatarsal fat pad. To account for the qualitative nature of conventional real time elastography, relative tissue stiffness was assessed against that of a standardised ultrasound standoff material. RESULTS The results indicated that the ulcerated group had a significantly lower heel pad relative stiffness (t (37)=2.559, P=0.015, η2=0.150) in the left foot. CONCLUSIONS The observed difference in the stiffness of the heel pad between the ulcerated and non-ulcerated feet indicates a possible link between tissue mechanics and ulceration. Further analysis of the data proposed in this study provided a quantitative assessment of plantar fat pad deformability which can contribute to understanding the role of tissue biomechanics in ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Naemi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Staffordshire University, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, UK.
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Teoh JC, Lee DY, Lee T. The influence of sex, body mass and body mass index on plantar soft-tissue stiffness in healthy people in their 60s. J Biomech 2016; 49:3022-3025. [PMID: 27527728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Foot abnormality has become a public health concern. Early detection of pathological soft tissue is therefore an important preventive measure, especially in older people who generally have a higher risk of foot pathology. However, the interpretation of plantar tissue stiffness data - whether to normalize the data or to separate the data on the basis of sex- remains questionable. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of sex and physical attributes such as body mass (BM) and body mass index (BMI) on plantar soft-tissue stiffness, and to evaluate whether it is necessary to isolate the differences in sex, BM and BMI in the data analysis. One hundred healthy subjects in their 60s were recruited for the experiment. Localized force response was obtained underneath the second metatarsal head (MTH) pad at three different dorsiflexion angles of 0°, 20°, 40° and the hallux and heel at 0°. No significant relationship was found between the independent variables and plantar stiffness. From the experimental results, it can be deduced that BM and BMI are weakly associated with plantar tissue stiffness, and that there is no significant difference in stiffness between male and female participants. No difference was found between left and right foot measurements. This suggests that normalizing of plantar tissue stiffness by BM and BMI is not necessary in healthy people in their 60s. The data can be pooled and treated equally regardless of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Chin Teoh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dong Yeon Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Taeyong Lee
- College of Science & Industry Convergence, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Prediction of plantar soft tissue stiffness based on sex, age, bodyweight, height and body mass index. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2015; 54:219-22. [PMID: 26474035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
15% of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients suffer high risk of ulceration and 85% of the amputation involving DM population is caused by non-healing ulcers. These findings elucidate the fact that foot ulcer can result in major amputation especially to the DM and elderly population. Therefore, early diagnosis of abnormally stiffened plantar soft tissue is needed to prevent the catastrophic tissue damage. In order to differentiate between normal and pathological tissues, a threshold reference value that defines healthy tissue is required. The objective of this study is to perform a multivariate analysis to estimate the healthy plantar tissue stiffness values based on the individuals physical attributes such as bodyweight (BW), height and body mass index (BMI) as well as their age and sex. 100 healthy subjects were recruited. Indentation was performed on 2nd metatarsal head pad at 3 different dorsiflexion angles of 0°, 20°, 40° and the hallux and heel at 0°. The results showed the important influences of BW, height and BMI in determining the plantar tissue stiffness. On the other hand, age and sex only play minimal roles. The study can be further extended to increase the reliability and accuracy of the proposed predictive model by evaluating several other related parameters such as body fat content, footwear usage, frequency of sports participation, etc.
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Chatzistergos P, Naemi R, Chockalingam N. Numerical investigation of the optimum cushioning properties of insole materials: the effect of subject-specific geometry and loading. FOOTWEAR SCIENCE 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/19424280.2015.1038652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Naemi R, Chatzistergos PE, Chockalingam N. A mathematical method for quantifying in vivo mechanical behaviour of heel pad under dynamic load. Med Biol Eng Comput 2015; 54:341-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s11517-015-1316-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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A method for subject-specific modelling and optimisation of the cushioning properties of insole materials used in diabetic footwear. Med Eng Phys 2015; 37:531-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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