Sub-calcaneal plantar fat pad assessment using dual-energy computed tomography: First experience in the diabetic foot.

Clin Biomech (Bristol)

Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Published: December 2023

Background: This study assessed the use of dual-energy computed tomography (CT) to evaluate sub-calcaneal plantar fat pad changes in people with diabetic neuropathy.

Methods: Dual-energy CT scans of people with diabetic neuropathy and non-diabetic controls were retrospectively included. Average CT values (in Hounsfield Units) and thickness (in centimeters) of the sub-calcaneal plantar fat pad were measured in mono-energetic images at two energy levels (40 keV and 70 keV). The CT values measured in patients with diabetic neuropathy were correlated to barefoot plantar pressure measurements performed during walking in a clinical setting.

Findings: Forty-five dual-energy CT scans of people with diabetic neuropathy and eleven DECT scans of non-diabetic controls were included. Mean sub-calcaneal plantar fat pad thickness did not significantly differ between groups (diabetes group 1.20 ± 0.34 cm vs. control group 1.21 ± 0.28 cm, P = 0.585). CT values at both 40 keV (-34.7 ± 48.7 HU vs. -76.0 ± 42.8 HU, P = 0.013) and 70 keV (-11.2 ± 30.8 HU vs. -36.3 ± 27.2 HU, P = 0.017) were significantly higher in the diabetes group compared to controls, thus contained less fatty tissue. This elevation was most apparent in patients with Type 1 diabetes. CT values positively correlated with the mean peak plantar pressure.

Interpretation: Dual-energy CT was able to detect changes in the plantar fat pad of people with diabetic neuropathy.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2023.106126DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

plantar fat
20
fat pad
20
sub-calcaneal plantar
16
people diabetic
16
diabetic neuropathy
16
dual-energy computed
8
computed tomography
8
dual-energy scans
8
scans people
8
non-diabetic controls
8

Similar Publications

Persisting deficits are often seen years after an Achilles tendon rupture despite dedicated rehabilitation efforts. A possible reason for reduced function is elongation of the tendon and accompanying shortening of the muscle. Strength training with focus on the eccentric component of loading leads to longer muscle fascicles in healthy persons.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Loss or displacement of a fat pad on the foot increases plantar pressure, leading to pain and plantar ulcers. These ulcers, especially in patients with diabetic neuropathy, have high recurrence rates, often resulting in amputations. Standard of care focuses on reducing plantar pressure with shoe padding or orthotic devices, leaving the restoration of the fat pad as an unmet medical need.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: The plantar plate, also called the plantar ligament, is a fibrocartilaginous structure found in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints. Our study aimed to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed with the patient in the standard position or with joint hyperextension (the "stress test", ST) in the study of plantar plate (PP) disease that involves metatarsophalangeal joints.

Materials And Methods: All patients underwent forefoot MRI (Atroscan C, Esaote, Genoa, Italy), operating at 0.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The population of older adults is exponentially expanding. Alongside aging comes the onset of chronic disease, decline of functional capacity, and reduced quality of life. Thus, this population increase will stress the capacity and financial viability of health and long-term care systems.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Optimal reconstruction of weight-bearing plantar foot defects is challenging due to the need for relatively thin coverage with simultaneous durability. The medial plantar flap provides an excellent tissue match but is not always available or appropriate (Figure 1, 2). Microsurgical free flap reconstruction provides many options for coverage.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!