Research Projects

Clubfoot is a common birth defect that affects almost 5,000 babies annually in the United states. The exact cause of clubfoot remains debated, with some doctors suggesting it may occur during pregnancy due to cramping or twisting of the foot. However, there is no proven cause. Clubfoot affects all joints, tendons, and ligaments in the foot and is often referred to as "congenital talipes equino varus" (CTEV). This multidisciplinary project aims to improve the treatment of musculoskeletal clubfoot deformities by developing a 3D clubfoot model, virtual environment for correction, and designing and developing a dynamic ankle foot orthosis. The goal is to achieve and maintain as normal a foot as possible. The main objective is to generate a 3D model of clubfoot, determine bony geometric parameters responsible for compounding the deformity, and develop a mechanism for normal positing of the deform foot. The research will develop technologies that facilitate clubfoot treatment and improve patient lives. It will also investigate the rehabilitation of clubfoot using custom foot orthosis as an intervention, providing an understanding of human clubfoot walking and aiding in the development of rehabilitation aids. The study will evolve a new dynamic ankle foot orthosis that allows patients to achieve normal walking gait and reduces the number of amputations in India and internationally. The project has a strong added value and direct incidences on socio-economic growth.