Tetrakaidecahedron-inspired porous custom insoles for enhanced diabetic foot decompression.

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic foot is a prevalent and severe complication among diabetic patients, usually caused by sensory neuropathy and chronic mechanical stress overload. The structural characteristics of the tetrakaidecahedron porous structure are applied to insoles to optimize plantar pressure distribution, thereby minimizing abnormal plantar pressure in diabetic feet.

METHODS

Integrating plantar pressure zoning, finite element analysis, Grasshopper parametric modeling, and 3D printing technology, a customized pressure-relief insole for diabetic feet has been designed and validated using static standing plantar-pressure measurements. The insole employs a porous structure with adjustable porosity and specified regional elastic modulus to achieve customized plantar pressure relief.

RESULTS

The designed insole (NPSI) increases the plantar contact area by approximately 30 % and reduces peak contact pressure by over 47 % in the high-pressure regions of M and H zones.

CONCLUSIONS

The method proposed in this study effectively customizes pressure-relief insoles for diabetic feet, reducing the incidence and progression of diabetic foot ulcers. This approach is also applicable to the design of other assistive medical devices that require specific support and pressure relief.