Title: Design, finite element analysis and fabrication of composite orthoses for bunions: a comprehensive study

Authors: Simin Nasseri; Mohammad Jonaidi; Salim Kortobi; George Williams; Logan Willis

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA

Abstract: This paper details the development and fabrication of an external support, designed to non-invasively correct mild to moderate cases of hallux valgus (HV), or bunions. Two external orthopedic models, constructed from composite materials, are developed. Each model consists of a polymeric shell wrapping around the foot and two toes, and a metal or carbon fibre insert that keeps the large toe straight and produces resistance. The models allow for the toes to stay spaced and parallel. The models were designed using SolidWorks© and their structural integrities were analysed with the included finite element analysis (FEA) package. The polymeric shell is made of a soft polymer and the inserts have been made of aluminium and steel. Displacement values and von Mises stress values obtained by FEA simulation were verified by the MATLAB© program written for this foot support. The first model was constructed using 3D printing techniques to validate the findings.

Keywords: bunions; composite; finite element analysis; FEA; simulation; 3D printing; orthoses.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPSQ.2023.133665

International Journal of Product Sound Quality, 2023 Vol.1 No.1, pp.59 - 77

Received: 14 Apr 2023
Accepted: 01 Jun 2023
Published online: 28 Sep 2023 *