TOWARD EARLY DETECTION OF THE TENDENCY TO STRESS-FRACTURES

Certain characteristics of the foot structure represented by the conta ct pressure display method provide a clear indication of the tendency to experience stress fractures. The main results of the research proje ct are (i) the static foot-ground pressure diagram may supply basic in formation about the foot structure, needed to understand its behaviour , (ii) a new concept of stress intensity parameters was introduced and appeared to be basic for the foot structure evaluation, (iii) a set o f criteria was established to classify the foot structure and its tend ency to stress fractures, (iv) a simple computerized screening techniq ue can calculate and classify the values of above parameters and relat e them to the established criteria. The results may enable a scientifi c and practical approach in characterizing foot orthopaedic problems a nd might help to rate the stress fracture risk.