Validation and reliability of mechanical stiffness assessment tools in multilayered polyurethane phantom models of healthy and diabetic plantar soft tissues.

ABSTRACT: Plantar soft tissue stiffness plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic foot complications, but in vivo assessments are constrained by anatomical variability and probe-induced measurement artifacts. To develop anatomically layered polyurethane phantom models mimicking healthy and diabetic plantar soft tissues and evaluate the reliability and concurrent validity of four mechanical stiffness assessment tools, [MyotonPRO, Shore Durometer, IndentoPRO, and Tissue Compliance Meter (TCM)] against Shear Wave Elastography (SWE). Six regional phantom models (calcaneus, midfoot, forefoot) with skin, fat pad, fascia, and muscle layers were fabricated. SWE was performed in no-contact mode to eliminate surface compression, improving measurement consistency. A total of 162 configurations were t

SUBMITTER: Cevik Saldıran T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12484676 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature