Altered energy dissipation ratio of the plantar soft tissues under the metatarsal heads in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

Background: Foot ulceration occurs frequently on the plantar aspect of the metatarsal head region, in which the altered foot biomechanics has been mentioned as a contributor. This study attempted to compare the energy dissipation in the plantar soft tissue under the metatarsal head between type 2 diabetic patients and age-matched healthy subjects in vivo.

Methods: The plantar soft tissues under the metatarsal heads in each left foot of 13 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and eight age-matched healthy subjects were measured with a loading-unloading device.