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Now, a virtual foot to help treat injuries and ailments

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Press Trust of India London

The 3-D model depicts bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons in an unprecedented level of detail, Scientists say.

The virtual foot will be used to drive forward improvements in treating serious injuries and illness, the 'BBC News' reported.

The 3.7 million euro a-footprint project is being led by Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).

The human foot is particularly difficult to model because of its complexity.

The 'Glasgow/Maastricht Foot Model' has been created by the Maastricht University in collaboration with the Danish biomechanical firm AnyBody Technology.

The model also features aplications in treating flat feet or foot drop - which prevents recovering stroke patients from moving their ankles and toes.

 

"The Glasgow/Maastricht foot is a game-changer," said GCU's Professor Jim Woodburn, who is the project co-ordinator.

"It opens the door to a huge range of applications, including the manufacture of better and more efficient orthotics, resulting in quicker recovery times, reduced symptoms and improved functional ability for those suffering from conditions which afflict the foot and lower leg," Woodburn said.

The simulation can be used to test potential cures as well as developing new orthotic devices, using 3-D printing techniques.

  

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First Published: Sep 23 2012 | 3:45 PM IST

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