Abstract
Neuropathy is a disease which results in the loss of sensation in the extremities. One method for assessing the degree of neuropathy is with a monofilament evaluator which buckles at a prescribed force depending on the filament diameter. However, as this assessment is conducted by the clinician's hand, the true force delivered is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to model the effects of both insertion depth and monofilament diameter on the contact force and normal stress produced on the plantar surface of the foot.
Highlights
Neuropathy is a disease, commonly associated with diabetes, which results in a loss of sensation on the plantar surfaces of the hands and feet
The results showed that small differences in insertion depth and monofilament diameters had a large effect on the force delivered
When using equation 3 the units are in Newtons, to be consistent with neuropathy studies, which use Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, the force is expressed in grams-force
Summary
Neuropathy is a disease, commonly associated with diabetes, which results in a loss of sensation on the plantar surfaces of the hands and feet. Severe cases of neuropathy can result in an individual stepping on an object and unknowingly puncturing their foot as a result of their sensation loss [7]. These individuals are at a greater risk of ulceration [8,9,10]. One method for assessing the degree of neuropathy is with a monofilament evaluator which buckles at a prescribed force depending on the filament diameter As this assessment is conducted by the clinician’s hand, the true force delivered is unknown. The purpose of this study was to model the effects of both insertion depth and monofilament diameter on the contact force and normal stress produced on the plantar surface of the foot
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