Sensitivity Analysis of the Finite Element Model of the Foot and Ankle Complex for Vibration Analysis

Biomechanical simulation and analysis of human organs are of paramount importance for improving the treatment and prevention of a variety of disorders and injuries. One of the organs that is very prone to injuries, especially among athletes and active individuals, is the foot. However, these injuries can be well-prevented by numerical modeling and analysis of the foot in different conditions. In the current study, after constructing a detailed parametric finite element (FE) model of the foot and ankle complex, a surrogate-based sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate how the material and geometric properties of the bones, the ligaments, the soft tissue, and the skin affect the natural frequencies of the FE model. Based on the obtained results, Young’s modulus and the density of the cortical bone, the trabecular bone and the soft tissue have considerable effects on the natural frequencies. Also, Poisson’s ratio of the soft tissue and the thickness of the skin have significantly larger sensitivity indices compared to those of other similar parameters. The cross-sectional area of the fascia plantar also plays a more important role in the natural frequencies compared to those of other ligaments. These results are preliminary good indicators to rank the material and geometrical parameters based on their effects on the natural frequencies of the FE model.