Stress distribution in the ankle-foot orthosis used to correct pathological gait.

摘要: Abnormal motion of the ankle-foot complex presents a major problem in rehabilitation stroke patients. These patients often develop drop foot, involving excessive and uncontrolled plantar flexion. An orthosis (AFO) is prescribed to constrain inhibit this abnormal motion. The purpose investigation was simulate foot determine stress distribution orthosis. A quasi-static 3-D finite element analysis AFO conducted using ADINA. Results confirmed hypotheses that maximum peak occurs neck, heel, side-arc region AFO. However, neck experienced largest amount stress. High concentration observed present consistent with common clinical observation AFOs break down region.