Study of biomechanical properties of the forefoot plantar fat pad.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Physical and biomechanical properties of the forefoot plantar fat pad in patients with diabetes.
IRAS ID
169391
Contact name
David A Russell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust R & D Department
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Diabetic foot ulceration is the leading cause of diabetes hospitalisation and amputation. One of the key features of a high-risk diabetic foot is the thinning of the plantar fat pad, which is a fatty tissue which covers and exerts a cushioning effect on the high pressure bony prominences of the foot. Detailed scientific study on biomechanical properties of the plantar fat pad is pivotal as it could be a potential therapeutic target for prevention of foot ulceration.
This study is specifically aimed at mapping the forefoot plantar fat pad thickness and measuring the elasticity using ultrasound scan in patients with diabetes mellitus. Further, it will compare variations of the above parameters among those with and without diabetes. Stiffness, which reflects the major mechanical property of the fat pad, has not been studied to date using the novel method of shear wave ultrasound technology, as proposed in this study.
Patients and aged matched healthy subjects will be invited and recruited from community podiatry clinics and Leeds Vascular outpatient clinics. Consented patients will be assessed at the gait laboratory of the Chapel Allerton Hospital. All the subjected will undergo clinical evaluation, physical examination and diabetic foot assessment. Then the plantar fat pad thickness and stiffness will be assessed using ultrasound examination and plantar pressure measurements will be obtained using MEDA scan under standard conditions.
Data will be coded and stored securely for analysis using SPSS statistical package.
Results will be presented at national and international meetings and published in international peer reviewed journals.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
15/NS/0071
Date of REC Opinion
21 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion