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Pedography with novel systems – A diagnostic tool for the early recognition of altered load patterns in the diabetic patient

The objective for health professionals dealing with diabetics is to reduce ulceration and amputations in the diabetic population. Pedography is a quick and cost effective method to help reaching this goal.

A widespread consequence of diabetes is the neuropathic foot. Its load picture is influenced by a loss of sensitivity, foot deformities, and incorrect foot function. Generally, the specific foot regions of higher pressures indicate greater risk for tissue breakdown.

In addition to the standard therapy for diabetic patients, an altered load on the foot with localized high pressures may require immediate foot treatment in terms of appropriate footwear and pressure relieving orthotics. The goal of shoe inserts for diabetics is to create a uniform pressure to prevent localized high pressures.

The emed platform measurement system has proven to be the most accurate pedography system in foot diagnostics. emed^® measures the dynamic load distribution under the foot and it provides detailed information on both local pressures and foot structure and function. emed^® measurement outcomes are used, among other things, for constructing shoe inserts. For this process, the provided one-to-one hardcopy and a dynamic load picture of the foot areas under risk are particularly relevant.

The pedar in-shoe measurement system is the lightest and most versatile portable foot load measuring system. pedar^® works with Bluetooth^®. Allowing free movement of patients, it provides detailed and accurate information on foot function as well as the functions of shoe and shoe insert. In addition, the pedar^® system is able to measure and quantify pressure relief from inserts in modified shoes.

Since 1983, novel has developed pedography systems for the diabetic foot. Accordingly, for more than 30 years, novel’s partners from all around the world have conducted extensive research on this subject. In this way, novel has acquired valuable know-how in the treatment of the diabetic foot and in the prevention of ulceration and amputations.

Flyer: Pedography for the diabetic foot

Procedure to be followed:

	1. Scan the foot in motion on an emed® pedography platform.
	2. Look for high pressure areas and a sloppy gait as well as low toe function.
	3. If ulceration has already occurred supply a total contact cast or a diabetic walking boot.
	4. Supply appropriate extra depth shoes for diabetics with a stiff sole and a rocker shape.
	5. Send the pedography data to a cad/cam system for the manufacturing of custom made inserts to reduce local high pressure.
	6. Prove pressure reduction of the footwear by measuring inside the shoe with a pedar® in-shoe pressure measuring system.