Development of a pediatric musculoskeletal model of the foot and ankle

Previously created adult musculoskeletal models (MSMs) have provided insight into the underlying causes of specific gait abnormalities. Since these abnormalities are often diagnosed and treated in children with cerebral palsy, child-specific MSMs are needed. In this study, a child-specific MSM of the foot and ankle was created from existing magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of a child with hemiplegic cerebral palsy and equinovarus disorder. The bony contours of both limbs were digitized and converted into three-dimensional surface meshes. These meshes were used to create the MSM.