Effect of Displacement Degree of Distal Chevron Osteotomy on Metatarsal Stress: A Finite Element Method

Abstract

Background: The stress of foot bone can effectively evaluate the functional damage caused by foot deformity and the results of operation. In this study, the finite element method was used to investigate the degree of displacement of distal chevron osteotomy on metatarsal stress and metatarsophalangeal joint load; Methods: Four finite element models of displacement were established by using the CT images of a patient with moderate hallux valgus (hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle were 26.74° and 14.09°, respectively), and the validity of the model was verified. Each finite element model consisted of bones and various cartilage structures, ligaments, and plantar fascia, as well as encapsulated soft tissue. Except for soft tissue, the material properties of other parts were isotropic linear elastic material, and the encapsulated soft tissue was set as nonlinear hyperelastic material. The mesh was tetrahedral mesh. Link elements were used in ligament and plantar fascia. A ground reaction force with a half-body weight was applied at the bottom of the floor to simulate the ground reaction when standing. The upper surfaces of the encapsulated soft tissue, distal tibia, and distal fibula were fixed. The stress distribution of metatarsals and the stress of cartilage of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were compared and analyzed; Results: Compared with the hallux valgus without osteotomy, the stress of the first metatarsals and second metatarsals of 2–4 mm decreased, and the stress of the interarticular cartilage of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with 4 mm was reduced. In the case of 6 mm, the stress value between the first metatarsal and the first metatarsophalangeal joint increased, and 4 mm was the most suitable distance; Conclusions: Compared with the hallux valgus without osteotomy, the stress of the first metatarsals and second metatarsals of 2–4 mm decreased, and the stress of the interarticular cartilage of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with 4 mm was reduced. In the case of 6 mm, the stress value between the first metatarsal and the first metatarsophalangeal joint increased, and 4 mm was the most suitable distance. For the degree of displacement of the distal chevron osteotomy, the postoperative stability and the stress distribution of metatarsal bone should be considered. Factors such as hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle, patient’s age, body weight, and metatarsal width should be considered comprehensively. The factors affecting osteotomy need to be further explored. The degree of displacement of osteotomy can be evaluated by FE method before the operation, and the most suitable distance can be obtained.

Induced fatigue impact on plantar pressure in females with mild hallux valgus

“…This condition is notably more common among females than males [1,2]. HV can be stratified into mild (15°-20°), moderate (21°-39°), and severe (≥40°) categories based on the angulation of the deviated toe [3][4][5][6]. Different degrees of valgus and the presence or absence of accompanying pain result in varying adaptive alterations in plantar pressure [7][8][9], with severe potentially resulting in balance disorders and heightened fall risk [10,11].…”

Editorial to the Special Issue “Human Bodywork: Applications in Health, Disease, and Rehabilitation”

“…In the third category, the optimization of athlete performance was discussed in the papers of Brambilla et al [ 19 ], Strutzenberger et al [ 20 ], and Kiers et al [ 21 ]. In the fourth category, the authors focused on the modelization of the musculoskeletal system by Computational Analysis, the Finite Element Method, and the application of a Machine Learning Algorithms approach on rehabilitation, with submissions by Hong et al [ 22 ], Wang et al [ 23 ], Zhang et al [ 24 ], Antunes et al [ 25 ], Da Cunha de Sá-Caputo et al [ 26 ], Cheung et al [ 27 ], and Lu et al [ 28 ]. In the fifth category, two studies, namely, Rapin et al [ 29 ] and Davahli et al [ 30 ], focused on the impact of COVID-19 on patients in France, USA, and Japan, and one author, De-Yñigo-Mojado et al [ 31 ], focused on the effects of facial skin hair on the fit factor of surgical masks.…”

Biomechanical Investigation of Hallux Valgus Deformity Treated with Different Osteotomy Methods and Kirschner Wire Fixation Strategies Using the Finite Element Method

“…The finite element method has also been applied to investigate the problems of hallux valgus deformity. Zhang et al [ 15 ] investigated the effects of distal chevron osteotomy displacement on metatarsal bone stress using the foot numerical model. Shih et al [ 16 ] used a plate fixation to evaluate the effects of different hallux valgus treatments on the osteotomy fixation stability, implant stress, and bone stress, using both the single first metatarsal bone model and musculoskeletal lower extremity model.…”