Application of tissue mechanics to clinical management of risk in the diabetic foot

Parker, DJ; Hasmi, F

Abstract

The effect of diabetes on the body’s connective and supporting tissues is varied and progressive, often accelerating the effects of the aging process. Tissue function is eventually compromised as a result of structural disruption, leading to increased risk of damage and tissue breakdown. This mechanical decline limits the ability of the soft tissues in the foot to distribute external loads or manage cyclic and prolonged loading associated with walking. Diabetic neuropathy often plays a further role in the onset of tissue damage due to the loss of protective sensory feedback and control mechanisms. Many approaches exist to characterize the tissue mechanics and identify the functional change within the tissue; however, existing work has had limited clinical application. Mapping and tracking changes within at-risk tissue may provide useful insights for clinical management and improve targeting of intervention and treatment strategies.

Citation

Parker, D., & Hasmi, F. (2021). Application of tissue mechanics to clinical management of risk in the diabetic foot. In A. Gefen (Ed.), The science, etiology and mechanobiology of diabetes and its complications (255-281). Academic Press/Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821070-3.00006-4

• Online Publication Date: Apr 23, 2021
• Publication Date: Apr 21, 2021
• Deposit Date: May 4, 2021
• Pages: 255-281
• Book Title: The science, etiology and mechanobiology of diabetes and its complications
• ISBN: 9780128210703-(paperback);-9780128210710-(ebook)
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821070-3.00006-4
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-821070-3.00006-4
• Related Public URLs: https://www.elsevier.com/books/the-science-etiology-and-mechanobiology-of-diabetes-and-its-complications/gefen/978-0-12-821070-3