Multi-layer Insoles for a Patient-specific Approach to Shear and Pressure Reduction in Diabetes-related Foot Ulcer

The Dynamic Foot Orthosis (DFO) is designed with a rolling link mechanism at the distal 3rd to reduce sliding friction at the metatarsal heads in addition to decreasing compressive forces. The relative sliding motion of two compliant surfaces over each other allows some deformation horizontally and lowers frictional resistance. The DFO addresses the friction element by accommodating the normal sliding and rolling motion at the distal 3rd of the foot during gait. Additionally, the DFO has a silicone layer at the metatarsal head and the remainder of the anterior section made of 2 separated orthotic layers that slide over each other. This provides an articulating surface to provide a relative motion between the orthotic segments while transmitting load.