A method for automated masking and plantar pressure analysis using segmented computed tomography scans.
Lynda M Brady, Corey Wukelic, William R Ledoux
PMID 38657477WHAT IT FOUND
A new method for analyzing foot pressure uses CT scans to define regions.
It showed that commercial software misses high pressure in the heel and includes artificial spikes from stepping onto the mat. This helps identify true pressure patterns.
Key findings
01Commercial software calculates pressure-time integral using only peak pressures, which misses significant cumulative load in the heel region that a new CT-based method captures.
02Including the frames where a patient steps onto the pressure mat artificially increases measured peak pressure in the forefoot during static trials.
03The new method allows calculation of pressure gradient metrics that are not available in standard commercial software, providing a more complete picture of shear stress.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study had only four participants, so the results cannot be generalized to a wider population. The method requires a CT scan, which adds cost, radiation exposure, and time, making it impractical for routine clinical use compared to standard pressure mats. The software was only tested on normal foot anatomy; it may not work well for feet with deformities or amputations. The study compares two methods of analysis; it does not prove that the new method predicts clinical outcomes like ulceration better than the old one.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume the new CT-based method is superior for patient care. It requires radiation exposure and is not a validated diagnostic tool. The findings suggest that standard commercial software may misreport pressure patterns, but this has not been proven to change patient outcomes.