A novel foot plate to assess 3D range of motion of the hindfoot

作者：Tuijthof G J M^*; Pontesilli M; van der Zwaag H; Jonges R; de Geer S G van; Maas M; Blankevoort L

来源：International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2012, 42(1): 41-48.

DOI：10.1016/j.ergon.2011.10.006

• Orthopedic device
• Hindfoot
• Diagnosis
• CT-scan
• Ergonomics
• Usability

Careful diagnosis of ankle joints with suspected ligamentous trauma is necessary to decide on adequate therapy. Accurate 3D stress test techniques can assist in diagnosis. However, the devices used to stress the foot relative to the lower leg are inapt for clinical application as they are not ergonomical. The goal was to present and to evaluate a newly designed 3D foot plate intended to fulfill the requirements of its users. Criteria on functionality included position and fixation of the foot in extreme positions relative to the lower leg; and compatibility with imaging systems. Criteria on usability included the operator having a sense of control, application for 95% of an adult human population, and operation within 100 s with low mental and physical effort. The design was based on a Stewart platform. Preliminary assessment of the 3D foot plate performed with CT-scans of 4 subjects showed that an extreme foot position could be reached repeatedly within 6 degrees. The remainder of evaluation was focused was on ergonomic assessment. The prototype can reach all extreme foot positions for adults with varying anthropometric dimensions. A usability test was performed with 20 radiology technicians who were asked to perform four tasks with the prototype. All radiology technicians surveyed agreed that the device can be operated by one person with minor physical and mental effort (NASA XLT median 3.5-11%). The tasks were executed with a median time of 91 s(20-513 s) and a median error of 0 (0-6). The 3D foot plate fulfills the majority of criteria and is well-received by the intended users. %26lt;br%26gt;Relevance to industry: This study shows how a multidisciplinary approach (engineering, ergonomics, radiology and imaging) can contribute to the design of an industrial product for improved clinical diagnosis and preoperative planning, while taking into account the specific clinical working environment.

• 出版日期2012-1