Effect of injury to plantar ligaments on plantar pressure distribution

Abstract

Objective To explore the changes in plantar pressure distribution and contact area after injury to the plantar ligaments in a normal adult cadaveric model. Methods Seven fresh adult cadaverie feet were used in the test. F-scan insoles were put under the plantar aspect of the feet when the specimens were loaded to 700 N vertieally. The plantar pressure data in the specimens were collected and stored before and after the plantar fascia, spring ligament, short plantar ligament and long plantar ligament were sectioned. Results were statistically analyzed. Results The peak pressure was always observed at the hindfoot area in all conditions. The peak plantar pressure on the forefoot was observed at the third metatarsal area and in-creased when the plantar ligaments were sectioned, while the total contact area of the foot was constant in both intact and pathological situations. Conclusion After the plantar ligaments are injured, the plantar pressure of the foot changes significantly and the pressure concentration occurs at the lateral foot, which may lead to clinical symptoms. Key words: Foot injury; Ligaments; Plantar pressure; Biomechanies