What has finite element analysis taught us about diabetic foot disease and its management? A systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Over the past two decades finite element (FE) analysis has become a popular tool for researchers seeking to simulate the biomechanics of the healthy and diabetic foot. The primary aims of these simulations have been to improve our understanding of the foot's complicated mechanical loading in health and disease and to inform interventions designed to prevent plantar ulceration, a major complication of diabetes. This article provides a systematic review and summary of the findings from FE analysis-based computational simulations of the diabetic foot.

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out and 31 relevant articles were identified covering three primary themes: methodological aspects relevant to modelling the diabetic foot; investigations of the pathom

SUBMITTER: Telfer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4188702 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature