A 3-D numerical model of the human foot structure during gait

A 3-D structural model of the human foot was developed for analysis of its biomechanical behavior during gait. Skeletal geometry was reconstructed from MRI images and transferred to finite element software (ANSYS) for stress analysis, whereas mechanical tissue properties were adopted from literature data. The model was used to simulate the internal stress distributions in basic positions of the foot during the stance phase of gait, i.e. heel-strike, midstance and push-off. The model was successfully validated by comparing its predicted ground reactions with experimentally obtained dynamic plantar pressure measurements and fluoroscopic images of the foot skeleton during gait. Simulation of pathologic mechanisms, structural abnormalities and surgical corrections are some important applications of the present model