2012- 21st Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Session Time : 4/10/12 10:30 AM - 4/10/12 11:45 AM

Content Area : Biomedical Engineering

Poster Appointment: , -

Student Presenters :
Michael G Browne Biomedical Engineering

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
Andrew DiMeo, Sr. Biomedical Engineering

Abstract Title : Biomechanical Analysis of both a Globally Inspired and a Variable Movement Clubfoot Brace using a Surrogate Biomodel

Abstract :
Clubfoot (congenital talipes equinovarus) is the most common musculoskeletal birth defect which occurs in otherwise normal children. This anomaly affects the tendons and ligaments in the lower extremity and foot, either bilaterally or unilaterally. Treatment is based on casting, however, clubfoot tends to relapse requiring post-correction bracing. Current bracing is performed during critical child development stages through age 5. This research study utilized the work shown by DiMeo et. al. stating that “surrogate biomodeling is an effective method to evaluate wide ranging bracing options.” Using gait analysis software and muscle-tendon unit length changes, a full biomechanical analysis was performed on a variable movement brace and a Steenbeek brace, a low-cost, low-tech brace developed and utilized in Uganda and other developing countries. Mimicking the degree of external rotation and dorsiflexion from the Steenbeek brace to the U.S. standard of care brace (Ponseti), only one data point showed statistical significance on a 0.05 level when comparing the angles at the knee and hip at 1-inch incremental movements along the sagittal plane (2-inch articulation, knee joint, p=0.0106) suggesting that the braces have similar impacts on the angles of the knees and hips. Through adjustments to dorsiflexion and external rotation of the variable movement brace, knee and hip compensation angles were analyzed. Initial analysis has shown non-significant difference in knee angle through articulation with varying brace parameters. Hip angle compensation has mainly occurred in the sagittal plane causing maximum hip flexion. Future analysis of both braces will involve muscle-tendon unit forces and length changes.