Biomechanical simulation of the Charcot neuroarthropathic foot with plantar ulcer

Diabetic patients with long-term diabetes are mainly affected by peripheral neuropathy. This lack of sensitivity induces a destructive process affecting joints and bony structures which can lead to the Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy (CNO). A CNO foot was reconstructed using the CT-Scan modality and the corresponding biomechanical finite element (FE) model was created. This model is able to predict, in weight bearing position, the location and the proportion of the Von Mises Strains in the soft tissue of the diabetic foot.