Patient specific additively manufactured insoles for diabetic foot ulcer prevention

Diabetes is a growing public health crisis, affecting over 500 million people in 2021, with cases projected to rise to 783 million by 2045. Among its severe complications, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) pose a major concern, often leading to prolonged hospitalizations and placing a heavy burden on healthcare resources. Reducing plantar pressure through the use of specialized shoe insoles has been proven effective in lowering the risk of ulcers and enhancing patient comfort. However, customization remains a significant challenge, necessitating the development of innovative, personalized insoles that effectively redistribute foot pressure.

This project aims to develop a 3D-printed insole tailored to individual patient needs through an interdisciplinary approach involving biomechanics, material science, and computational modeling. The study will focus on determining optimal design specifications, selecting suitable materials, performing numerical stress analysis, and manufacturing and testing prototypes using additive manufacturing techniques. By integrating finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental validation, the research will lead to highly optimized insoles, improving comfort, durability, and clinical effectiveness in preventing DFUs.

Key objectives and potential impact

• Determine design specifications and material selection by consulting healthcare professionals and identifying optimal cushioning materials for diabetic insoles.
• Develop and optimize insole designs through numerical stress analysis to minimize plantar pressure and enhance comfort.
• Manufacture personalized insoles using resin-based additive manufacturing, optimizing printing parameters for accuracy and durability.
• Conduct mechanical testing under various loading conditions to validate computational models and refine designs.

This research has the potential to transform diabetic foot care by providing affordable, personalized insoles that effectively prevent DFUs, reducing hospitalizations, healthcare costs, and patient discomfort. The integration of advanced computational modeling and additive manufacturing will enable the creation of highly optimized, patient-specific insoles, setting a new standard for customized medical devices. Beyond DFU prevention, the findings could pave the way for broader applications in biomechanics, prosthetics, and orthopedic solutions, significantly enhancing quality of life for individuals with diabetes worldwide.

Requirements for candidates: 3D printing, Finite Element Analysis

Diversity statement

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research.  We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.