Medical Care - Diagnostic

"F-Scan" Computerised Gait Analysis System

The foot is an extraordinary complex mechanism. There are 26 bones in each foot, held in position by hundreds of ligaments, tendons and muscles. These are all arranged to provide support for the body, absorb shock forces and provide leverage during activity. Various joints
shift and rotate in a carefully timed sequence, performing between 4,000 - 10,000 complex movements each day. The total accumulated force on the feet daily is over one million pounds!

With these kinds of stresses placed upon our feet, it becomes easy to see how problems develop, especially if the blood circulation and nervous system is affected as is often the case with those with diabetes. A corn, callous or other seemingly minor problem can quickly develop into something more serious. The system is frequently used to assess patients who have problems with their gait whether it be an unusual walking pattern or a combination of abnormal gait and associated foot and lower limb symptoms ranging from various foot and ankle pain, through to knee and hip dysfunction.

With recent advancements in computer technology, we can now identify areas of excessive pressure over the plantar (bottom) of the foot while actively watching and recording plantar forces as they take place. The F-Scan gait analysis (pressure mapping) system measures the pressures under both feet simultaneously. The system has many functions but can be particularly useful in evaluating diabetic foot problems by:

1. identifying potential ulcer sites in at risk patients before they actually develop.
2. accurately measuring forces in specific regions of the foot. Weight can then be transferred away from potential, or actual, ulcer sites. (These same principles can be applied to pediatric and adult gait problems).

The F-Scan consists of a sensors which insert into each shoe which then slots into a cuff worn on the ankle .A lead connects each sensor to the computer. The highly sensitive, paper thin sensor contains rows and columns with a force- sensing polymer sandwiched in between. The analysis software gives dynamic pictures of the pressure distribution through each step.

The F-Scan used in conjunction with other techniques/treatments, can be a very useful and effective tool in the management of many types of foot complications.

For more information visit: http://www.tekscan.com/medical/system_fscan1.html
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