A three-dimensional model to assess the effect of ankle joint axis misalignments in ankle–foot orthoses

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Fatone ◽  
William Brett Johnson ◽  
Kerice Tucker

Background: Misalignment of an articulated ankle–foot orthosis joint axis with the anatomic joint axis may lead to discomfort, alterations in gait, and tissue damage. Theoretical, two-dimensional models describe the consequences of misalignments, but cannot capture the three-dimensional behavior of ankle–foot orthosis use. Objectives: The purpose of this project was to develop a model to describe the effects of ankle–foot orthosis ankle joint misalignment in three dimensions. Study design: Computational simulation. Methods: Three-dimensional scans of a leg and ankle–foot orthosis were incorporated into a link segment model where the ankle–foot orthosis joint axis could be misaligned with the anatomic ankle joint axis. The leg/ankle–foot orthosis interface was modeled as a network of nodes connected by springs to estimate interface pressure. Motion between the leg and ankle–foot orthosis was calculated as the ankle joint moved through a gait cycle. Results: While the three-dimensional model corroborated predictions of the previously published two-dimensional model that misalignments in the anterior -posterior direction would result in greater relative motion compared to misalignments in the proximal -distal direction, it provided greater insight showing that misalignments have asymmetrical effects. Conclusions: The three-dimensional model has been incorporated into a freely available computer program to assist others in understanding the consequences of joint misalignments. Clinical relevance Models and simulations can be used to gain insight into functioning of systems of interest. We have developed a three-dimensional model to assess the effect of ankle joint axis misalignments in ankle–foot orthoses. The model has been incorporated into a freely available computer program to assist understanding of trainees and others interested in orthotics.

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Fatone ◽  
William Brett Johnson ◽  
Samuel Kwak

Background and Aim: Misaligning the mechanical axes of Ankle–Foot Orthoses with the ankle axis may lead to tissue damage, reduced gait efficiency, and mechanical wear on the orthosis. Previous models developed to describe the consequences of joint misalignments have only been applied to the sagittal plane. In this study, a previously developed three-dimensional model of the Ankle–Foot Orthosis/leg system was used to determine the effects of misalignments in the frontal and transverse planes and how they interact with misalignments in the sagittal plane. Technique: The motion of two corresponding points on the leg and Ankle–Foot Orthosis was calculated for different binary combinations of translational and rotational misalignments of the mechanical axis, and the resulting displacements between those points recorded. Discussion: Misaligning the mechanical joint axis of the Ankle–Foot Orthosis in the transverse plane led to much greater displacements than other misalignments. Results from the model suggest the importance of prioritizing transverse plane alignment by appropriately accounting for tibial rotation. Clinical relevance: Misalignments in the transverse plane had a dominating effect on relative motion between the Ankle–Foot Orthosis and leg emphasizing the importance of including the third dimension in the model and prioritizing accuracy of alignment in the transverse plane.


2007 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Fatone ◽  
Andrew H. Hansen

Accurate alignment of anatomical and mechanical joint axes is one of the major biomechanical principles pertaining to articulated orthoses, yet knowledge of the potential effects of axis misalignment is limited. The purpose of this project was to model the effects of systematic linear (proximal-distal and anterior-posterior) misalignments of single axis mechanical ankle joints in an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) in order to determine the degree and direction of calf band travel that would occur over a functional range of motion. Sagittal plane misalignments of the ankle joint centres of an AFO were simulated using a simple two-dimensional model for both a range of ankle angles and a typical able-bodied ankle kinematic curve for self-selected normal walking speed. The model assumed that no movement occurred between the foot and the foot-plate of the AFO. The model predicted that for anterior (positive horizontal) misalignments, dorsiflexion movements would cause the calf band to travel proximally (i.e., up the leg) and plantar flexion movements would cause the calf band to travel distally (i.e., down the leg). The opposite was predicted for posterior (negative horizontal) misalignments. Proximal (positive vertical) misalignments would cause only distal movements of the calf band while distal (negative vertical) misalignments would cause only proximal movements of the calf band. Anterior-posterior misalignments were found to have a much larger effect on the amount of calf band travel than proximal-distal misalignments.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1512
Author(s):  
Yusuke Sekiguchi ◽  
Keita Honda ◽  
Dai Owaki ◽  
Shin-Ichi Izumi

Categorization based on quasi-joint stiffness (QJS) may help clinicians select appropriate ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). The objectives of the present study were to classify the gait pattern based on ankle joint stiffness, also called QJS, of the gait in patients after stroke and to clarify differences in the type of AFO among 72 patients after stroke. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify gait patterns based on QJS at least one month before the study, which revealed three distinct subgroups (SGs 1, 2, and 3). The proportion of use of AFOs, articulated AFOs, and non-articulated AFOs were significantly different among SGs 1–3. In SG1, with a higher QJS in the early and middle stance, the proportion of the patients using articulated AFOs was higher, whereas in SG3, with a lower QJS in both stances, the proportion of patients using non-articulated AFOs was higher. In SG2, with a lower QJS in the early stance and higher QJS in the middle stance, the proportion of patients using AFOs was lower. These findings indicate that classification of gait patterns based on QJS in patients after stroke may be helpful in selecting AFO. However, large sample sizes are required to confirm these results.


2021 ◽  
pp. 205141582110002
Author(s):  
Lorenz Berger ◽  
Aziz Gulamhusein ◽  
Eoin Hyde ◽  
Matt Gibb ◽  
Teele Kuusk ◽  
...  

Objective: Surgical planning for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy is widely performed using two-dimensional computed tomography images. It is unclear to what extent two-dimensional images fully simulate surgical anatomy and case complexity. To overcome these limitations, software has been developed to reconstruct three-dimensional models from computed tomography data. We present the results of a feasibility study, to explore the role and practicality of virtual three-dimensional modelling (by Innersight Labs) in the context of surgical utility for preoperative and intraoperative use, as well as improving patient involvement. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on patients undergoing robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy at our high volume kidney cancer centre. Approval from a research ethics committee was obtained. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics were collected. Surgical outcome measures were recorded. The value of the three-dimensional model to the surgeon and patient was assessed using a survey. The prospective cohort was compared against a retrospective cohort and cases were individually matched using RENAL (radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines) scores. Results: This study included 22 patients. Three-dimensional modelling was found to be safe for this prospective cohort and resulted in good surgical outcome measures. The mean (standard deviation) console time was 158.6 (35) min and warm ischaemia time was 17.3 (6.3) min. The median (interquartile range) estimated blood loss was 125 (50–237.5) ml. Two procedures were converted to radical nephrectomy due to the risk of positive margins during resection. The median (interquartile range) length of stay was 2 (2–3) days. No postoperative complications were noted and all patients had negative surgical margins. Patients reported improved understanding of their procedure using the three-dimensional model. Conclusion: This study shows the potential benefit of three-dimensional modelling technology with positive uptake from surgeons and patients. Benefits are improved perception of vascular anatomy and resection approach, and procedure understanding by patients. A randomised controlled trial is needed to evaluate the technology further. Level of evidence: 2b


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ismail ◽  
Mohamed Ezzeldin ◽  
Wael El-Dakhakhni ◽  
Michael Tait

With the increased frequency of accidental and deliberate explosions, evaluating the response of civil infrastructure systems to blast loading has been attracting the interests of the research and regulatory communities. However, with the high cost and complex safety and logistical issues associated with field explosives testing, North American blast-resistant construction standards (e.g. ASCE 59-11 and CSA S850-12) recommend the use of shock tubes to simulate blast loads and evaluate relevant structural response. This study first aims at developing a simplified two-dimensional axisymmetric shock tube model, implemented in ANSYS Fluent, a computational fluid dynamics software, and then validating the model using the classical Sod’s shock tube problem solution, as well as available shock tube experimental test results. Subsequently, the developed model is compared to a more complex three-dimensional model and the results show that there is negligible difference between the two models for axisymmetric shock tube performance simulation; however, the three-dimensional model is necessary to simulate non-axisymmetric shock tubes. Following the model validation, extensive analyses are performed to evaluate the influences of shock tube design parameters (e.g. the driver section pressure and length and the expansion section length) on blast wave characteristics to facilitate a shock tube design that would generate shock waves similar to those experienced by civil infrastructure components under blast loads. The results show that the peak reflected pressure increases as the driver pressure increases, while a decrease in the expansion length increases the peak reflected pressure. In addition, the positive phase duration increases as both the driver length and expansion length are increased. Finally, the developed two-dimensional axisymmetric model is used to optimize the dimensions of a physical large-scale conical shock tube system constructed for civil infrastructure component blast response evaluation applications. The capabilities of such shock tube system are further investigated by correlating its design parameters to a range of explosion threats identified by different hemispherical TNT charge weight and distance scenarios.


Renewal rates of the waters of the thermocline in the eastern North Atlantic are estimated by combining linear quasi-geostrophic dynamics with steady and transient tracers into a unified eclectic, reservoir model. The two-dimensional model first employed is finally rejected when it is found that it generates oxygen-utilization rates (OUR) that are, by conventional biological wisdom, too high. The three-dimensional model that replaces the two-dimensional one shows that the our is indeterminate, with possible ranges from zero to unacceptably high values. The region is flushed primarily from the north and east. The problem of using transient tracers is mathematically equivalent to that of distributed-system boundary-control theory, the open-ocean boundary conditions playing the role of the unknown control variables. The missing time histories of this new set of unknowns means that tritium and helium-3 distributions are only comparatively weak constraints on the flow field, but do set upper bounds on the vertical exchange with surface waters. Surface Ekman pumping is adequate to explain the interior distributions without additional buoyancy ventilation, although this latter process is possible. Some speculation is made about conditions under which transient tracers might play a more definitive role.


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