A STUDY OF PLANTAR SOFT TISSUE PROPERTIES WITH IN VIVO INDENTATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract

At present, there are several existing in-vivo indentation systems developed for the characterization of plantar soft tissue properties. Through using these devices, several studies have been conducted to investigate and quantify the relationship between plantar soft tissue properties and conditions that cause plantar soft tissue stiffening such as aging and diabetes mellitus. The proposed indentation technique is believed to be more realistic than most of the indentation systems available. With the improved indentation apparatus, plantar tissues tested are subjected to large tissue deformation and various metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) dorsiflexion angles which better mimics the real gait condition. Hence, the indentation system developed in this study provides a more useful stiffness values in identification of abnormal and potentially wounded soft tissue. It can be used as a quick non invasive screening tool to massively examine a large population to identify vulnerable tissue and hence prevent foot problems in patients.