A validated computational framework to evaluate the stiffness of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses. Issue 8 (11th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ielapi, Alessio; Lammens, Nicolas; Van Paepegem, Wim; Forward, Malcolm; Deckers, Jan Patrick; Vermandel, Miguel; De Beule, Matthieu
• Is Part Of: Computer methods in biomechanics and biomedical engineering. Volume 22:Issue 8(2019)
• Page Start: 880
• Page End: 887
• Publication Date: 2019-06-11
• Subjects: Finite element models -- experimental setup -- ankle foot orthosis (AFO) -- stiffness -- gait; Biomechanics -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- methods -- Periodicals; Computing Methodologies -- Periodicals; 612.7
• DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2019.1601712
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1025-5842

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to create and validate a standardized framework for the evaluation of the ankle stiffness of two designs of 3D printed ankle foot orthoses (AFOs). The creation of four finite element (FE) models allowed patient-specific quantification of the stiffness and stress distribution over their specific range of motion during the second rocker of the gait. Validation was performed by comparing the model outputs with the results obtained from a dedicated experimental setup, which showed an overall good agreement with a maximum relative error of 10.38% in plantarflexion and 10.66% in dorsiflexion. The combination of advanced computer modelling algorithms and 3D printing techniques clearly shows potential to further improve the manufacturing process of AFOs.