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Optical Pedobarography for Assessing Neuropathic Feet in Diabetic Patients—A Review

Biomedical Engineering Division, Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, and Biomedical Engineering Department, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India, patilkm{at}yahoo.com

G. Charanya, BE

Biomedical Engineering Division, Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, and Biomedical Engineering Department, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India

K. Gopalakrishna Prabhu, PhD

Biomedical Engineering Division, Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, and Biomedical Engineering Department, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal, India

The use of optical pedobarography is presented in this article. The limitations of the analytical methods using peak pressures as a parameter for assessment of foot at risk of plantar ulcers are indicated. A new method, which takes into consideration the actual plantar pressure distribution using the power ratio PR (the ratio of high-frequency power to the total power in the walking foot pressure image distribution) and relates it to 3 levels of sensation loss is described. PR is able to detect early loss of foot sensation characterized by a loss of sensation level of 4.5 gm. The methods available in the literature for management of foot ulcers by proper footwear design, and their limitations, are discussed. A new method of individualized footwear based on matching the softness of the footwear insole with the softness of normal foot sole soft tissue (having durometer reading of 20° Shore) and optimum insole thickness (12 mm) is helpful in the prevention of plantar ulcers.

Key Words: pedobarograph • plantar ulcers • neuropathy

The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, Vol. 1, No. 2, 93-103 (2002)
DOI: 10.1177/1534734602001002004


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