Digital Gait Analysis

Dr. Yoshida's Digital Gait Analysis

Digital weight bearing 3D kinematic imaging technology is a unique hardware and software solution for today’s Digitally oriented patient which automates the orthotic process and streamlines office efficiency while improving Orthotic therapy.   Digital Orthotic Technology incorporates a stable and reproducible platform for attaining neutral joint positioning using intelligent software which is easy to operate.  This enables physicians to task out the orthotic process to the back office thereby saving time and streamlining office efficiency.

With digital imaging, the patient's feet sink into an extremely sensitive imaging media, compressing electro-conductive dynamic media lying below the top cover. Over, 1,500 24-carat gold sensors relay the information to the  imaging software through hardware circuitry. Gold is the most conductive metal and is commonly used in high-end audio and video connections, as well as many other high tech areas. No compromises were made and the result is a drastic reduction in data errors during the manufacturing process.

Due to the uniqueness of our Patented 3D Weight Bearing Kinematic Imaging platform , which utilizes intelligent software, we are able to provide a more stable and reproducible platform for the understanding of complex load bearing diseases. This provides a greater understanding of complex wedge locking of the Rearfoot, Midfoot and 1st Ray relationships as compared to the wide degree of acknowledged errors in neutral joint positioning when using plaster, laser and foam box impressions, (Art Form). This art form adds 27 error points in the manufacturing process of Orthotics. This has led to a 60 year history of less than desirable results. This drove us to develop a more stable and reproducible error free set of methods which drive more positive biomechanical control of the foot in cyclic load conditions. We start from a stable and reproducible Relaxed Standing Position and then we perform a "Neutral Joint Build" through the analysis of seven unique parameters of both 3D Static and vital  Dynamic motion studies. By doing this, results were greatly improved and return rates reduced to an industry low of 1% as compared to much higher known return rates using plaster, foam box, laser, and pin driven technology. In addition, lab technicians are able to see exactly what you see on your imager, improving accuracy and eliminating guesswork.

The digital method looks at five physical properties when determining how to control the foot:

Mass Displacement Analysis

• Evaluation of equinus effects (anterior shifting of body mass)
• Rear foot to forefoot load patterns
• Evaluation of propulsion patterns (toe off)
• 1st ray stability during midstance

Motion Analysis

• Degrees per second (velocity) of pronation and supination are evaluated in the rearfoot and  midfoot
• 1st ray plantar flexion from midstance to the propulsive phase of gate
• 1st ray hyper mobility is evaluated

Pressure Analysis

• Evaluating plantar pressures of the rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot
• Lesser metatarsal phalangeal joint pressures are evaluated
• Only system providing sheer pressure evaluation critical in care of the diabetic foot
• 3DO technology is the only available imaging technology which can evaluate sheer pressure. Sheer pressure is a critical component in the understanding of tissue breakdown in the sensitive diabetic foot.

Body Balance Analysis

• Ability to see the effects of balance in three body planes
• Provides insight into muskoskeletal adaption

Three-dimensional plantar surfacing of the feet

• Using 3-D Shape Technology, we use high resolution graphics to provide good plantar surface contouring. If there is a scar or lesion, the graphic imaging process will display it
• Observing the movement of pressure migration along the plantar foot during gait provides valuable insight to pathology
• Rotation and evaluation of 3D objects allows for special viewing, giving the doctor and patient excellent insights into pathomechanical problems
• 180 degree object oriented rotation of foot images assist in visualization of pathomechanical disease effecting the foot

We compare and evaluate a patient's data against medical industry published and accepted normal values. Then, we correct the orthotic positive being used (NC milling and/or Thermopressing) and provide proper positioning of the foot based on static and dynamic data which is consistent and stable.

Consistent data capture is the key to our success.

Building a stable 3D image is critical to the accuracy of static imaging. We accomplish this from a unique process of acquiring the foot from a static full pronated state and then we "build" the foot alignments to neutral through evaluation of 3D Dynamic Data (Mass Displacement, Motion Analysis, Pressure Analysis, Body Balance, Symmetry, and 3D Plantar Geometry). Complex biomechanical foot patterns and then evaluated and technicians are provided with accurate functional data about your patients biomechanical and ergonomic conditions.